8-year-old serious after being hit by car

An 8-year-old Minginui boy is in a stable condition in Rotorua Hospital after being hit by a vehicle in the remote township yesterday.

The crash happened on Rimu Cres at midday, leaving the boy with a broken ankle and head injuries.

Rotorua police Sergeant Chris McLeod said the boy was riding a motorcycle down the street when the driver of a Toyota Hilux backed out of a driveway hitting the boy as he rode past.

Mr McLeod said no charges had been laid at this time and police were investigating the circumstances of the crash.

"We are not sure what type of bike it was, as we have not yet located it. The boy did suffer a concussion but again, we are not sure if he was wearing a helmet."

St John paramedics from Murupara travelled to the township, 70km south east of Rotorua in the Urewera foothills and stabilised the boy before he was flown to Rotorua Hospital.