A TODDLER was seriously injured during a hit and run crash.

The three-year old was struck by a car in Rectory Road, Basildon, at around 7.30pm on Saturday evening after a dark-coloured Nissan Juke hit the toddler near a busy pedestrian crossing.

Initial police reports suggested the child was in a serious condition with a head injury.

It has now been confirmed the young boy suffered a badly broken leg and a fractured skull but is awake and alert.

He was transferred to a specialist unit at the Royal London Hospital on Saturday night and is still there receiving further treatment.

He may require surgery.

His family told the Echo he is expected to make a good recovery while specialist officers piece together what happened during the incident during the evening.

It is alleged the driver of the car left the scene and officers issued an urgent appeal to the public for help to trace him during the weekend.

A man, aged in his 60s, has now been located and spoken to by investigating officers.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We have spoken to a man, aged in his 60s, in connection with a collision involving a toddler on Rectory Road, Pitsea, on Saturday, July 6.

“A three-year-old boy remains in hospital with serious injuries to his leg.

“Our enquiries are ongoing.”

Concerns were raised over the safety of the crossing after claims visibility is impaired.

Joan Aldridge, who lives nearby, said: “That crossing is so dangerous because of the trees nearby.

“They obscure the view for everyone using it including the drivers. I hope the young lad makes a full recovery and something is done about the trees so something like this doesn’t happen again. It could be worse next time.”

Essex Police are appealing for anyone with information on the crash and any other information to call 101 quoting reference 1273 of 06/07.

Anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage of the incident is also asked to contact police with information.

Alternatively, you can contact independent crimefighting charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information