Child, 3, hit by car in West Auckland

A 3-year-old was struck by a vehicle in West Auckland this afternoon.

The incident happened about 1.30pm, in Jaemont Ave, in Te Atatu and the child has been taken to Starship Children's Hospital where he remained in a critical condition this afternoon.

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"Jaemont Ave has been closed however this will not significantly impact road users," police said.

At the scene, Inspector Shawn Rutene, said the boy ran across the road, where he has been hit.

"What's occurred here is that a young child, age of 3, has run across the road in front of a moving vehicle and as a result of that, that child is in Starship Hospital with serious injuries.

Police stand at a cordon on Jaemont Ave, Te Atatu South, after a 4-year-old child was hit by a car. Photo / Dean Purcell

"This is not a driveway incident. There's a lot of inquiries to be made, but at this point in time, the families are being supported by their own and by police.

"The driver of the vehicle that has hit the child is being supported.

"The message is: We're heading into the school holidays. Users of the road, parents and caregivers need to be vigilant in and around these areas - even these quiet streets."

The Waitemata Serious Crash Unit is at the scene.

It is understood the child had been with a caregiver who was visiting a property on the street when he ran onto the road.

A neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said they were inside their house when they heard disturbing sounds coming from the street.

"We just heard a thump sound and then a woman screaming and we ran outside to see what had happened."

Peter Baran, who lives about 20m from where the accident occurred, said he was told by the police that a small boy had run out and been hit by a vehicle, he had been taken to hospital and thought his injuries were serious.

He did not know who the boy was.

Baran said the accident occurred at the top end of Jaemont Ave near Te Atatu Rd. Police were examining what looked like a station wagon, he said.

The 85-year-old resident did not think it was a driveway accident because police were walking up and down the street taking photographs.

Another resident of Jaemont Ave, Terrance Caples, said there had been a serious accident and the road had been blocked by police.

"There didn't appear to be any damaged vehicles and no glass [n the street]," he said.

A St John ambulance officer is also at the scene.

Road workers in the area have stopped their work as police examine the area.

Police have blocked off the road.