Two children have been raced to hospital after a being hit by a van at a crossing this morning.
One of the youngsters, four, has been left with a serious head injury after the smash, which happened in Basildon, Essex around 8am.
The second child, aged just two, was also injured in the collision.
The van driver stopped at the scene and Essex Police are now asking for witnesses to come forward.
The force said: ‘We are appealing for witnesses following a collision in Basildon where two small children have been injured, including one serious.
‘Officers were called to reports a van had been in collision with two young children at a crossing in Broadmayne at around 8am today (Friday 16 August).
‘A four year-old child has sustained a serious head injury and has been taken to hospital for treatment.
‘A two year-old child was also injured but not as seriously.
‘The vehicle – a white Citroen panel van – stopped at the scene and our enquiries are ongoing.
‘If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.
‘Please quote incident 238 of 16 August.
‘You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
‘Visit our website to find out more about our online reporting services.
‘If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.’