Staff and parents rush to help boy, 9, hit by car outside Purbrook school

It comes after a nine-year-old boy was hit by a Hyundai outside Mill Hill Primary School in Mill Road, Purbrook, at 8.55am today.

The incident, which left the boy in a serious but not life-threatening condition, prompted a huge response from emergency services, school staff, parents and residents.

One parent, who lives close to where the incident took place, said she heard a ‘crashing sound’ before people came to his aid.

She told The News: ‘I heard the crashing sound and came outside to see what it was.

‘It seemed like the lad was crossing the road but didn’t see the car coming.

‘We got blankets for everyone and a chair for the driver of the car – I don’t think they were speeding or anything though.

‘You worry about something like this happening to your kids.

‘It was such an unfortunate thing to happen and I really hope the boy is okay.’

Another parent, who did not want to be named, said: ‘My heart goes out to the family, it's such a shock to everyone.’

The road was cleared by 10am, according to eyewitnesses.

Police said no arrests have been made although the incident will be subject to investigation.

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In the meantime, parents and residents have said a zebra crossing should be installed in Mill Road and have urged Hampshire County Council to take action.

Parent Lorien Gray, 34, said: ‘This road is absolutely terrible.

‘I’ve seen drivers speeding down here and it's downright dangerous – we need a zebra crossing or some speed bumps.

‘The lollipop lady always seems to have her hands full with idiots who are trying to speed around near a school.’

There is no suggestion speed was a factor in today’s incident.

Another parent, who did not want to be named, added: ‘This road is just awful – it’s really busy and seems to have got busier since school started up again.

‘We could really use a zebra crossing around here and we're lucky that the child was only injured.’

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