Medics arrive after a schoolgirl is knocked down. Picture: Heather Abbott

by Tim Collins

An Ashford girl is hospital today with serious head injuries after being knocked down outside her school.

The 14-year-old pupil at The John Wallis Academy in the town was hit by a car near the school's gates yesterday afternoon.

She is believed to have suffered a fractured skull and was taken by ambulance to a London hospital.

Police were called to Crundale Close, on the Stanhope housing estate, at just after 4pm.

Officers at the scene of the crash on Stanhope estate in Ashford

They closed Stanhope Road at the junction with the close until just after 7.20pm.

Two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle were also called, and the Kent Air Ambulance later arrived at the scene to help.

The girl was driven by ambulance to King's College Hospital, in London.

She was hit by a car described by witnesses as a small silver hatchback.

Her condition was described as serious but stable this morning with the girl awaiting tests to confirm the extent of her injuries.

A schoolgirl was knocked down outside The John Wallis Academy

For more on this story, pick up a copy of the Kentish Express - out tomorrow.