A NINE-year-old boy was seriously injured after being knocked down on his way to the swimming baths.

Adam Cameron Razaq, of Clarence Street, Darwen, was struck by a Blackburn Transport bus at 1.25pm yesterday after climbing over an eight-foot stone wall into Whalley Old Road, Blackburn.

Adam's young cousin and some friends are believed to have witnessed the crash. His aunt lives in nearby Notre Dame Gardens.

The driver of the bus, Ian Norse, 34, of Crediton Close, Blackburn, was interviewed by police at the scene.

He later said he was "coming to terms with what had happened" but was too distressed to comment.

Adam was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary by ambulance suffering from head injuries.

He was transferred to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, yesterday afternoon where he was said today to be stable.

Managing director of Blackburn Transport, Michael Morton confirmed that an internal investigation was under way and that the Health and Safety Executive had been informed.

A spokesman for the police's Accrington Road Safety Unit said: "What appears to have happened is that this young boy has climbed over a stone wall while on his way to the swimming baths."

The police spokesman said he believed the boy was accompanied by friends, but they were still trying to make contact with them.

"Obviously we have got a few questions to ask about who was with Adam and what supervision he was under."

Peter Kelly, also of Notre Dame Gardens, heard what had happened from his nine-year-old grandchild, who knows the boy, and described the incident as a "tragedy".

He said: "According to the children he was with friends on his way to Daisyfield Swimming centre. We think he has tripped over the curb and fallen back into the road.

"When he was hit by the double decker bus he literally bounced into the road. All the children use the wall instead of going round but it is really dangerous."

A neighbour in Clarence Street, who has known Adam since he was a baby, did not want to be named, but said the community was distraught.

She said: "His friends who also go to St Cuthberts school are in a state of shock and we have all been out of our minds with worry." Police are appealing for witnesses.. Anyone with information can contact Accrington Road Safety Unit on 01254 353764.