Child hit by car in Mangere

Police have spoken to the driver of a van which struck and critically injured an eight-year-old boy in south Auckland this afternoon.

The boy was hospitalised with head injuries after he was hit while crossing Massey Rd, in Mangere, about 3.25pm.

The van driver had stayed at the scene and spoken to police, but no decision had been made over whether he would face charges, Senior Sergeant Millie Whear told NZPA.

The boy from Mangere was still in a critical condition at Middlemore Hospital this evening, she said.

The area where he was hit was residential with a few shops, she said.

The van driver was not injured.

Massey Rd between Gray and Vine Sts was closed while the serious crash unit investigated.

- NZPA