An eight-year-old boy is in hospital after being hit by a police car answering an emergency call.

The youngster suffered a head injury in the accident which happened on Thorne Road, Stainforth, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire, just before 0800 GMT on Thursday.

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said it is believed the boy ran out as the car approached with its lights flashing.

The boy, who has not been named, was taken to Doncaster Royal Infirmary where his condition is not thought to be life-threatening.

Police siren

The spokeswoman said the car was responding to reports of an accident in Thorne.

The officer who was driving the car was said to be "shaken but unhurt".

The spokeswoman said: "It is believed the youngster ran into the road. The police car had its siren sounding and head lamps and blue beacons flashing at the time of the collision."

A spokeswoman for Doncaster Royal Infirmary said the youngster was in a "stable" condition.