A nine-year-old was taken to hospital with severe head injuries after being hit by a car in Barking.

Police said the incident happened on Ripple Road in Barking around 7pm on Friday evening.

London Ambulance Service found the child with “critical head injuries” and took him to an east London hospital, where police said he was in a “serious but stable” condition.

The boy’s family have been informed.

The driver of the car involved stopped after the collision and is assisting police. No arrests have been made.

Officers would like to speak with anyone who saw what happened. Witnesses should contact police on 020 8597 4874 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.