A schoolboy was airlifted hospital after being injured by a car close to a Tipton high school.

Police, paramedics and the Air Ambulance were called to Upper Church Lane in Tipton at 3.30pm yesterday.

The 11-year-old suffered serious leg injuries in the smash after leaving nearby Alexandra High School.

The road was closed between Powis Avenue and the junction with Alexandra Road for around two hours.

John Hawker, spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said that the youngster was taken to Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

Police said that the car which hit the boy was a Ford Focus estate, which stopped at the scene.

Ian Binnie, headteacher at Alexandra High School, said of the Year 7 pupil: “He underwent an operation this morning.

“Despite his injuries he is in good spirits and the family are coping very well.”

Anyone who witnessed the accident is asked to contact the road policing unit on 0845 1135000.