Child critical after serious crash involving lorry

The young pedestrian was flown to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children

A girl is in critical condition in hospital after being airlifted from the scene of a serious road crash involving a lorry in County Londonderry.

Emergency services were called to the Boleran Road, between Coleraine, Limavady, and Garvagh, shortly before 16:00 GMT on Monday.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it received a 999 call at 15:51 GMT and dispatched two emergency ambulances, an ambulance officer, a rapid response paramedic, and the charity air ambulance with the helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) on board.

The girl, who was a pedestrian, was treated at the scene before being flown to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children for further treatment.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said two appliances from Coleraine Fire Station were deployed.

DUP councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan said the community's "prayers are with the young girl in hospital this morning".

"It is a very difficult time for the family and obviously the community will rally around them," she said.

Sinn Féin councillor Ciarán Archibald said it is a "traumatic time" for the young girl and her family.

"But I know the Ballerin community will support them through this difficult time," he said.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the Boleran Road has now reopened.