AN 11-YEAR-OLD boy is in critical condition after being hit by a car this morning, police have said.

He was hit on Gravel Hill in Swanmore just before 8am and was airlifted to Southampton General Hospital.
Police are appealing for witnesses after the incident involving a red Toyoto Yaris.

A spokesman for South Central Ambulance Service said they were called to the scene at 7.59am and sent a rapid response vehicle, ambulance and ambulance officers.

The air ambulance was also called out and used to fly the boy to the hospital where he is  being treated.

The road was closed for three hours whilst police conducted an examination of the scene.

Residents said they were shocked but not surprised at the crash, with one saying motorists treat the road "like a runway at Gatwick".

A neighbour, who declined to be identified, said at least four emergency vehicles rushed to the scene and an air ambulance helicopter landed in a nearby field.

"It's a problem with speeding vehicles because it's a long straight road and at night you have reflectors, and they drive on it like it's a runway at Gatwick.

"Most of the accidents are at the crossroads at the top of the hill but there's a wall at the other crossroads and a car went through that. They have had half the house and the wall rebuilt.

"You have got the articulated lorries and that road is not wide enough - everybody thinks it."

There were also concerns raised regarding the possibility of a new 91-home development being built nearby, which would increase the level of traffic.

Witnesses are asked to contact Sergeant Wayne Voller of the South East Hampshire Roads Policing Unit on 101, quoting Operation Silkworm.