Child hit by car not as seriously hurt as thought

CRASH: Police investigate the crash scene. STEPHEN PARKER

A 5-year-old boy hit by a car on Clayton Rd this morning is not as seriously hurt as first thought.

The boy was hit as he crossed the road near the intersection with Susan St around 8.25am.

Rotorua police Senor Constable Grant Keys said the boy had been dropped off as usual by his mother and had been "very keen" to get to school.

"The approaching vehicle has seen the boy in front of the stationary vehicle and has become aware, the driver has braked in anticipation and had just come to a stop when the boy ran into the side," Mr Keys said.

"The boy has fallen backwards and has a superficial injury to his head. He's in Rotorua Hospital for observation."

Rotorua police are investigating.