A NINE-YEAR-OLD boy is in a critical condition with serious head injuries after being hit by a van.

Liam McDonald, of Bank Street, Chorley, stepped out into Southport Road and was struck by a white Mitsubishi van, say to police.

The Duke Street Primary School pupil was taken by ambulance to Chorley Hospital.

Liam was assessed and transferred to Royal Preston Hospital and overnight he was moved to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury.

Southport Road was blocked for nearly an hour after the accident, around 2.45pm yesterday.

Police are now appealing for anyone who saw the incident to come forward after revealing there were very few witnesses.

Sgt Dave Tonge said: "It is not clear exactly what happened.

"It appears the young boy involved stepped out in front of the van which was travelling along Southport Road.

"We do not have very many witnesses and need many more to come forward to piece together the circumstances leading up to the accident.

"I don't think the boy was on his way home form school because not many have gone back yet after Christmas and he was not in a uniform.

"Liam's condition has been stabilised overnight. But ti is still being classed as serious."

Police were today interviewing a man, who was driving the van involved, which stopped after the incident.

l A motorcyclist died after his bike collided with signs at the side of the road in Chorley last night.

A 51-year-old man from Chorley died at the scene, at the junction of Park Road and Corporation Road.

Police said there were no other vehicles involved in the crash, which happened shortly after 11pm.

Anyone with information to about either incident is asked to contact Chorley Police on 01257 269021.