A nine year old girl was airlifted to hospital with a serious head injury after being hit by a car outside her school.

A black Mercedes struck the girl in Ferry Road, Hullbridge at about 8.30am yesterday as she made her way to Riverside Primary School.

She is believed to live in Thurrock.

The girl was taken to the Royal London Hospital for treatment.

Her condition is said to be serious, but not life-threatening.

Yesterday Andy Douglas, headteacher of Riverside Primary School, said: “We were sorry to hear about the incident outside the school.

“Fortunately the family are hopeful that she will be back home soon. Our thoughts remain with them and we wish the child a full and quick recovery.

“Support has been given to pupils and will continue to be available to them and any affected families in the coming weeks.

“I would like to thank my staff for the prompt and professional way they acted to support the child’s family and friends and to Rochford Extended Services for their quick response and offer of ongoing support.”

The collision has renewed calls for the speed limit along the road to be cut.

A police investigation is currently underway and there is no suggestion the driver of the Mercedes was speeding.

Brian Carleton, chairman of Hullbridge Residents Association, said: “Lots of people have asked for the speed limit to be dropped. More than a year ago, councillor Michael Hoy talked about lowering the limit from 30mph to 20mph.

“Highways only take notice after an accident, it should have been lowered years ago.

Speeding is a big problem.

“I’ll be writing to the council to ask why they haven’t done anything.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “A nine-year-old girl from the Thurrock area was struck by a black Mercedes.

“She was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital with serious injuries.”

An ambulance service spokesman added “The girl was treated for a head injury.

“Her condition is believed to be serious but not life threatening.”

Any witnesses - or residents with information - should call police straight away on 101.

police straight away on 101.

NB. Essex Police initially reported the girl's age as six and relatives have since confirmed the girl's age is nine.