A nine-year-old boy has been left with serious injuries after he was knocked off his bike by a van driver near Prospect Park, police said. 

The incident happened at rush hour around 5:20pm on Friday, April 12 on Liebenrood Road near the entrance of Prospect Park.

The nine-year-old child was rushed to hospital with severe head injuries and remains there at this time.

Thames Valley Police are now appealing for witnesses of the crash that involved a white Citreon Relay van.

PC Anthony Alderson, of the Roads Policing Unit, said: “I want to appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident, or who has any dash-cam footage that could be useful, to get in touch as soon as possible.

“This collision has left a nine-year-old boy seriously injured so it is very important that we hear from anyone who has any information at all which could help our investigation.

“If you can help, please call us on 101, quoting reference number 43240167795 or alternatively make a report online. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Thames Valley Police have reported that the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst over the specified limit of a controlled drug and driving otherwise than in accordance with his license. He has since been released under investigation.