A YOUNG child remains in hospital after sustaining a "serious head injury" in an Essex department store.

Emergency services rushed to Fenwick in Colchester High Street shortly after 11.30am yesterday with reports of concerns for the welfare of a child.

When they arrived, they found a five-year-old boy had sustained a serious head injury.

It is understood the youngster ran into a mirror inside the store which then fell on him.

Alongside store staff and medics, Essex Police officers immediately administered first aid to the boy.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition, which is where he remains.

It is believed he was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Specialist officers are supporting the boy’s family at this time.

"We are supporting an investigation into the incident alongside Colchester Council."

Mia Fenwick, director of Fenwick, said: “The Fenwick family, leadership and all of our colleagues are shocked and saddened by the incident which happened at our Colchester store yesterday morning.

"Our thoughts are with the child and their family during this difficult time.

"We are working closely with the local authorities to assist with the investigation and to understand how this happened.

"Our Colchester store remains closed today.”

While the emergency services were at the scene on Tuesday, the High Street was blocked off in the Head Street end by the police, and North Hill and North Station Road were also closed off to the public.

Colchester Council confirmed it would be looking into the incident as part of its health and safety responsibilities.

A spokesman for the council said they will now be gathering information regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident as part of the health and safety responsibilities to support any potential investigation needed.

Fenwick has been contacted for further comment.