AN 11-year-old boy was taken to hospital after being hit by a car in Billericay this afternoon.

The accident happened in Chapel Street, outside the Spa Cottage, as the boy was crossing the road, according to witnesses.

An employee at the Spa Cottage who did not want to be named said: “The accident happened right outside the shop, I did not see it happen but I heard the bang and the boy scream.

“He was obviously hurt but his injuries did not look life threatening, he was taken away on the stretcher in the ambulance after about an hour.”

A spokesman for Essex Police said the boy’s injuries were not thought to be life threating.

Essex Police closed the road for about an hour while the incident was dealt with.

The boy was taken to Basildon Hospital.