Child hit by car in Whakatane

The scene in Whakatane today.

A 7-year-old boy has been seriously injured after being hit by a car in Whakatane.

The incident happened on James St about 3pm and police were appealing for information.

Sergeant Ray Wylie said the child was taken to Whakatane Hospital with serious injuries.

"Police would like to hear from members of the public who may have witnessed this crash and have not been spoken to by police."

Mr Wylie said police also wanted to speak to the driver of a flat-deck utility vehicle which was travelling west on James St near Horrocks Ave.

The vehicle was described as a dark coloured 4WD vehicle that may have been manufactured in the 1980s or 1990s.

The driver was described as a man, possibly Maori, in his 30s.

Mr Wylie earlier told the Rotorua Daily Post a team from the police serious crash unit in Tauranga was on its way to the scene, which was still cordoned off from members of the public.

Police said there were diversions in place around Ferry and Henderson Rds, as well as on Riverside Dr and Horrocks Ave.

Anyone who witnessed a 4WD vehicle in the area, or any other vehicle that may have been involved, was asked to contact Whakatane police on (07) 308 5255