Girl, 11, remains in hospital after being hit by car in Hartlepool

Damage to a lamppost in Skelton Street, Hartlepool, after it was hit by a car.

The 11-year-old girl was airlifted to hospital with what police describe as ‘serious head injuries’ following the incident in Skelton Street yesterday afternoon.

Another girl, aged 12, suffered a broken leg, while a third girl, also aged 12, suffered only minor injuries.

A 46-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and is being questioned by police.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said the 11-year-old remains in hospital and is described as being in a "poorly condition".

Emergency services were called to the street after the collision at around 3.45pm on Monday.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “Police were called at around 3.45pm to reports of a serious collision on Skelton Street in Hartlepool.

“A blue Ford Focus mounted the kerb and hit three pedestrians.

“A 12-year-old girl received minor injuries, a second 12-year-old girl was taken to North Tees Hospital with a suspected broken leg and an 11-year-old girl was taken to James Cook University Hospital by air ambulance with a serious head injuries.

“Early inquiries suggest that the driver lost control and mounted the kerb.

“A 46-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and is in police custody.

“Officers are appealing for information and would like to hear from anyone who had seen the Ford Focus in the area prior to the incident, or who may have seen the manner of driving.”

There is also damage to a wall and a lamppost in the street.

It is believed the young girls had been walking home from school when the collision happened.

A North East Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “We were called at 15.41 to the West View area of Hartlepool.

“We sent on officer, two ambulances and the air ambulance.

“We sent one patient to University Hospital of North Tees by road.

“One patient has been taken by air ambulance to James Cook Hospital.”