Arrest as boy hit by car while crossing road

Police said the car was travelling southbound when it hit the child

A 10-year-old boy has been seriously injured by a car and is in hospital in a critical condition, police say.

The crash, involving a black Mercedes C-Class, happened on Old Mill Road in Sunderland at about 19:50 GMT on Wednesday.

Northumbria Police said the car had been travelling southbound when it struck the child, who was crossing the road.

A man in his 20s has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by careless driving and remains in custody.

The road was closed for a period of time but has since reopened.

The driver of the Mercedes remained at the scene of the crash, police said, and an investigation was under way.

Officers have asked people to avoid speculation both online and in the community.