A schoolboy was airlifted to hospital after being hit by a bus in the Black Country today during rush-hour traffic.

The 12-year-old boy was knocked over by a single-decker bus in Coalpool, Walsall, close to a bus stop which serves schools in the area.

The air ambulance was sent out to the scene of the accident in Ross Road and landed in a nearby field before flying the youngster to Birmingham Children’s Hospital in Selly Oak.

A number of other people who had been on the bus were taken to hospital by ambulance with minor injuries and shock.  

Police said the boy remains in hospital with serious injuries, although they confirmed he is not in a life threatening condition.

Traffic in the area had to be diverted to allow emergency services access following the accident at around 7.45am. Ross Road and parts of Coalpool Lane were closed for around an hour.

Mandy Walker, aged 36, who watched drama unfold, said: “The first thing I saw was the helicopter and then we saw a boy had been knocked over. I do not know who it was but it looked quite bad.  

“The paramedics were in and out quite quickly and the police moved the crowd away.”

Councillor Garry Perry was also passing at the time. He said: “I saw a bike which was quite badly crushed. I don’t know whether the boy had been riding that or not. I just hope he is OK.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police at the traffic policing unit via 0845 113 5000.