Friends of a 12-year-old boy who is seriously injured after being knocked down by a car in Ashford are praying he will recover.

The youngster was flown to St George’s Hospital in London with multiple injuries, including a serious head injury, after being hit by an Audi A1 in Ashford Road, Kingsnorth, on Friday afternoon.

Earlier this week police described the boy’s injuries as life-threatening but have now said his condition is serious but stable.

The boy is a pupil at The John Wallis Academy in Millbank Road, Kingsnorth, where staff and pupils are praying he gets well soon.

Principal John McParland said: “On Friday, one of our Year 7 students was involved in an accident and is now receiving treatment for his injuries in a London hospital.

“He is an excellent student, very popular amongst his peers, and the students are understandably upset by this incident.

“The children who have been affected by this incident are receiving support from the appropriate sources.

“I have spoken to the students in assemblies and we, as an academy community, are praying on a daily basis for his speedy recovery.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his family and all those who know and love him at this very difficult time.”

Four members of clinical staff from nearby Kingsnorth Medical Practice, also in Ashford Road, rushed out to help and looked after the boy until paramedics arrived.

Practice manager Nicola Flisher said: “They were the first on the scene and gave the emergency response.

“The team put in a very commendable effort and I’m extremely proud of them.”

Police have confirmed officers are still appealing for witnesses to the crash.

A spokesman said: “Police were called at 3.40pm to reports a pedestrian had been hit by a vehicle.

“A 12-year-old boy was airlifted to a London hospital. The road was closed until 6.35pm.

“We would like to hear from anyone who saw the boy or the vehicle prior to the accident.”

The boy also suffered injuries to his neck, throat, stomach and upper and lower leg, an air ambulance spokesman said.

The child was hit by a white Audi A1 at about 3.40pm and was treated by practice staff and paramedics before being taken away in the air ambulance.

Police confirmed the driver stopped after the accident and no one has been arrested.

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