A 12-year-old boy has suffered 'potentially life threatening' injuries after a collision with a car in Radcliffe.

Emergency services were called to Bolton Road at the junction with Wordsworth Avenue, in Radcliffe, at 11pm yesterday, where the schoolboy was lying under the car.

The blue Toyota Aygo collided with the boy as he was crossing the road.

He was taken by ambulance to Manchester Royal Infirmary, where his injuries are described as ‘potentially life threatening’.

Fire crews from Whitefield and Farnworth were called to the scene to help move the car.

Luckily an off duty paramedic was passing by and able to offer assistance at the scene.

Watch manager Tim Eaton, from Whitefield station, said: “Another person had jacked the car up before we arrived so we were able to make sure that the vehicle was safe before the child was moved from underneath.

“An off duty paramedic was luckily driving home when the incident happened so he was able to help too.

“There were a lot of passer-bys and motorists who stopped to help although we weren’t aware of any family members close by.”

No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

A resident of Bolton Road, who wished not to be named, said: "There was such a heavy police, fire and ambulance presence, I had never seen the road like it before.

"They were here for hours and the road was completely closed off.

"I didn't know what had happened so I tried to have a look but had to walk all the way round to the other end to get a glimpse.

"I still couldn't see anything but I heard that the poor boy had been knocked down. I hope he makes a full recovery."

Sergeant Mark Thomas of the GMP Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) said: “This was a very serious collision and the boy who was involved is currently in hospital having surgery for potentially life threatening injuries.

“Although the collision happened quite late at night, Bolton Road is a very busy main road so it is possible there may have been other vehicles around at that time or other pedestrians who witnessed the incident.

“We are appealing for anybody who may have witnessed the collision to please contact the SCIU on 0161 856 4741.”

Anybody with information should contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741.