A four-year-old boy has been left in hospital with a disfigured face after he was dragged beneath a car.

The youngster was crossing Bell Road, Sittingbourne, with his parents when he was struck by the Audi near Swale council's offices.

The air ambulance was called in following the incident at around 6.30pm on Tuesday.

Dad Ethan Cording and his eight-month pregnant partner, Mercedes Owen, were crossing by Bournes Funeral Service when it happened.

Speaking today, the 21-year-old said: "He's suffered a cut to the head, he has a swollen face on one side, severely bruised lungs, a split spleen, a fracture near his eyebrow and a deep graze which may need a skin graft.

"I was about two metres behind when he and his mum crossed. It wasn't at a crossing but the road was clear of any moving vehicles.

"But then all of a sudden an Audi came towards them."

He continued: "I picked up my baby and ran for help into the nearby shops while we called an ambulance. He was conscious the whole time."

The driver of the vehicle stopped and police have confirmed he cooperated with officers at the scene.

However, they want to know how the accident happened and would like witnesses to call 01795 419119, quoting reference number 28-1132.

Despite the air ambulance landing nearby, the youngster – who we have been asked not to name – was taken to King's College Hospital, London, by road due to the weather conditions. The nursery pupil has been there since.

Ethan continued: "I keep having flashbacks. I couldn't believe it happened, that my baby was hurt.

"He is going to be left with quite a few scars. I can't sleep and I can't eat. I thought I was going to lose him."

Mercedes, also 21, has been staying with their son in hospital while Ethan travels.

He said: "I have to keep coming back and forward to the hospital as only one of us can stay, and I want it to be his mum.

"You can also only park in the area with a permit.

"He could be discharged today but he is being taken into theatre so his face can be cleaned.

"They haven't been able to do it while he was awake as it was too uncomfortable for him.

"Because he is so young he should heal but the accident will leave him with scars.

"He's only recently started talking properly and we've been advised not to walk with him when he is home as his ankles are swollen."

Bell Road resident Ethan, who works at a car breakers, feels the accident wouldn't have happened if the driver had taken action.

He said: "The driver should have slammed on the brakes.

"It isn't like my son shot out into the road from behind a car he was already in the middle of the road when the car first appeared."

Police were unable to give KentOnline any further details about the circumstances of the accident.