CALLS for safety measures were made last night after an accident in which a schoolgirl was left fighting for her life.

The 12-year-old ran into the path of a car on the busy A689 in Hartlepool after police were called to disperse a gang of teenagers

Police were called to Norfolk Close at about 7.30pm on Friday to deal with youths seen kicking footballs at cars, smashing bottles and jumping on car bonnets.

It is not known if she was with the 70 to 80 youths dispersed by police.

A spokesman said: "As officers were deployed to disperse them, a number ran off.

"The girl, who lives in Hartlepool, was hit by a silver Peugeot as she ran across the carriageway of the A689.

"She was taken by ambulance with a police escort to Hartlepool University Hospital and later transferred to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough."

The girl remains in a serious condition with head and pelvic injuries.

Norfolk Close resident Lesley Pilmoor said the Belle Vue Way dual carriageway was an accident blackspot and called for safety improvements.

She said: "Tesco is on the other side and you can sometimes take your life in your hands trying to cross to do the shopping.

"I do not know the exact details of this accident, but perhaps there should be a footbridge so people can cross in safety."

Mrs Pilmoor, 47, who has lived in Norfolk Close for seven years with her husband, Peter, 48, said the community was usually peaceful.

She said: "It is normally quiet around here and we cannot understand how this has happened.

"I do not think the girl is from around here. I have not heard anything about who she is.

"It is a very busy road. Just the other week there was a big smash near the roundabout.

"It is a dual carriageway that backs on to a residential area.

"It must be terrible for the driver. It would seem that all he was doing was driving along and a girl darts out in front of him. It must be a huge shock."