A FOUR-YEAR-OLD boy was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after being knocked down by a car.

Emergency services were called at about 11.15am on Saturday to reports of a collision involving a car and the child on Radipole Park Drive in Weymouth.

The air ambulance was scrambled and paramedics and police officers were also on scene.

A spokesman for South Western Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 11.17am to a four-year-old male that had been hit by a car.

"We sent two ambulances, a Paramedic Officer, the Cycle Response Unit and the Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance.

"There were also two off-duty paramedics in the immediate area who were also able to assist.

"The child was stabilised at the scene and then flown to the Bristol Children’s Hospital with serious head and leg injuries."

The road was closed in both directions while they dealt with the incident.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the crash, which involved a grey Volkswagen Golf driven by a 23-year-old local woman.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: "As a result of the collision, the child sustained serious injuries and was flown by air ambulance to hospital, where his condition is not believed to be life-threatening."

Police Sergeant Craig Tatton, of the traffic unit, added: "Specially-trained officers from Dorset Police are supporting the boy's next of kin at this difficult time.

"I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision to please contact me."

Anyone with information can Dorset Police on 101, quoting reference number 5:157.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.