A JAPANESE exchange student is today in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by a car.

The 22-year-old woman was in collision with a Jeep Cherokee in London Road, Hildenborough, near Tonbridge.

She was taken to Kent and Sussex Hospital at Tunbridge Weels with serious head and neck injuries. Her condition today was described as critical but stable.

The accident happened at about 5.30pm last night. An eyewitness said passers-by were helping ambulance crews look after the injured woman and a motorist diverted traffic around the accident site until police arrived on the scene. The road was then closed and reopened shortly after 9.15pm.

Police would like to hear from witnesses. Anyone with any information is asked to telephone the police crash investigation line on 01622 600970.