A MAN has been arrested after a seven-year-old boy was injured in a suspected hit-and-run in Blackburn.

Police, paramedics and the air ambulance were called to Whalley New Road at 6.40pm on Friday following the collision involving a van and a boy.

The child, who it is believed attends Holy Souls R C Primary School in Blackburn, was airlifted to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital with head injuries. His condition was described as serious but stable.

Police said the driver of the van failed to stop at the scene but the vehicle has since been seized.

Police confirmed a 25-year-old man, from Clitheroe, was arrested on Friday night on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident. He has since been released under investigation.

Police are appealing for witnesses and are particularly keen to hear from anybody with CCTV or dashcam footage.

Sgt Craig Booth, who is leading the investigation, said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with this young boy’s family and friends during this incredibly distressing time.

“I am asking anyone who may have seen what happened, or anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident but hasn’t spoken to us already to come forward. You could have vital information to assist our investigation.”

A road closure was put in place from Whalley New Road at its junction with the Brownhill Roundabout and Hashton Lee Avenue for several hours to allow the air ambulance to land on a builder’s yard next to the Co-op in Brownhill, and for police investigators to carry out their work.

Blackburn with Darwen highways boss Cllr Phil Riley said the authority is already reviewing crossing points and parking in the area.

He said: “My thoughts are with the child and his family at this time.

“We are in the process of making changes at the Brownhill Roundabout. We have got a commitment to the residents that we will review parking on Whalley New Road once we have seen the new roundabout arrangement work completed. In light of this incident we will also review the question of crossing points.”

Witness Daniel Agnew, 32, who lives on nearby Brownhill Road, said: “I was walking to the Co-op when I saw the yellow air ambulance hovering overhead. There were around four or five police cars and an ambulance. It was really shocking to see. I am concerned for the child’s welfare.

“The road was all taped off. There were queues of traffic turning round.”

A police spokesman said: “We were called at around 6.40pm on Friday night, to a report that a seven-year-old boy had been injured following a collision with a van on Whalley New Road, Blackburn.

“The van believed to have been involved was driven away from the scene however, it was later traced and seized.

“A 25-year-old man from Clitheroe was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident.

“He has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

“The boy suffered head injuries and was taken by air ambulance to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool. He remains in hospital at this time.”

Witnesses can call police on 101.