Boy 'critical' after being hit by car

Jul 31 2007

A 12-YEAR-OLD was critically ill in hospital today after being knocked down by a car, leaving him unconscious, on a busy Birmingham road.

The youngster was with his father in Moseley Road, Balsall Heath, when the incident happened at 4.45pm yesterday.

He suffered serious head and arm injuries after being hit by a Ford Escort near the Lidl supermarket.

Police today said he was in a "critical but stable" condition in hospital.

Emergency services were scrambled to the scene after 13 '999' calls were made to West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Motorcycle paramedic Barry Rudge said: "The 12-year-old, who lives locally, had been knocked unconscious briefly in the crash. He was with his dad at the time of the collision.

"He had a potentially serious head injury and was slightly concussed so we treated for a possible skull fracture.

"He also had serious injuries to his left arm and elbow that will require surgery.

"We immobilised him using a neck collar and spinal board before taking him on blue lights to Birmingham Children's Hospital."

The driver was spoken to at the scene by police. While crews were dealing with the youngster, there was an altercation at the scene.

Witnesses are urged to call police at Woodbridge Road on 0845 113 5000.