A young boy was today said to be in a critical condition after he was hit by a car in Sheerness.

The accident happened at about 4pm yesterday in Jefferson Road near to the entrance to Richmond Academy.

A resident living nearby said her daughter saw a young boy aged about five, lying in the road.

The air ambulance landed at the grounds of the academy while medics treated the boy in the road. It took off for hospital at about 5pm.

A neighbour said the boy was conscious when transported to the helicopter.

A police spokesman appealed for witnesses.

Detective Sergeant Scott Lynch from the Kent Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "It was a fine, dry afternoon and many local residents were outside so we believe quite a few people may have witnessed this incident.

"If you have any information and have not yet spoken to police, please call us on 01622 798538."