A BURNLEY man has told how he made desperate attempts to stop a toddler bleeding to death after being in an accident with a car yesterday afternoon.

The accident happened in Burdett Street, Burnley, just south of the junction with Peace Street, at around midday, when three-year-old Ethan Connor Kelly, of Burdett Street, was struck by a reversing vehicle.

A police spokesman said: "Ethan left his house, where his mother was, and went into the street to look at a parked refuse wagon outside his house.

"He crossed the road behind the wagon and was struck by the Ford Escort, which was reversing at the side of the wagon."

The police spokesman said: "He suffered serious injuries and was taken by ambulance to Burnley General Hospital."

Young Ethan was later transferred to Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, where his family are keeping a bedside vigil. His condition is said to be "improving slowly."

Peter Tarren, of Peace Street, Burnley, said he heard the youngster scream before he rushed to his aid.

Mr Tarren said: "I was painting when I heard this scream. I ran round the corner and saw a little toddler in the street.

"I dashed over to him and tried to stop the bleeding but it was just pouring out of him.

"I tried my best to stop it but he was in a really bad way. I was trying to talk to him and reassure him that he was going to be alright and then a man passing by said he was a paramedic, so I let him take over.

"It was such a relief to have somebody there who knew the right things to do. I have taken part in first aid courses, but no amount of training can prepare you for something like this. I just hope he's going to be all right."

The 36-year-old driver of the Ford Escort, who is from Burnley, was not injured.

Police closed the road for two-and-a-half hours while investigations were carried out.