Man arrested after boy hurt in collision at Wigan junction

The youngster was hit by a van on Ormskirk Road, Newtown, near Saddle Junction, shortly before 2pm on Sunday.

The boy suffered serious injuries and was anaesthetised at the scene, before being taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool by ambulance.

Police attended the incident and closed Ormskirk Road for some time, so motorists had to be diverted away from the area.

A police spokesman said a 30-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving while under the influence of drugs.

He has since been released under investigation and police are continuing their enquiries.

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to call police on 101, quoting incident 1328 of July 1.

Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

The air ambulance was called to the incident and landed on the car park of nearby Currys PC World.

But its tail was damaged in the landing and it had to remain there for some time until an engineer could check it was able to fly.

Fortunately it was not needed to transport the injured boy, as he was anaesthetised so could not be flown. He was taken to hospital by road.

The helicopter was able to fly back to its base and has since been repaired so it is back in action wherever needed across the North West.