NEIGHBOURS have described an eight-year-old girl critically injured after being knocked down in Hunger Hill as a "beautiful child".

Schoolgirl Lucy Harris remains in hospital after suffering serious head injuries, police said.

She was hit by a blue Honda Civic in Wigan Road, near the Chequerbent roundabout, at about 11am on Thursday.

Her condition has not changed since she was admitted to hospital.

A 10-year-old girl also hit by the car suffered several fractures — but her condition is not considered to be critical.

She was airlifted to Manchester Royal Infirmary shortly after Lucy.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "She is a beautiful girl. It really is so sad. You just have to hope and pray she makes a fully recovery.

"Everyone is just thinking of the family."

The driver stopped at the scene and spoke with police.

Officers said there were no indications that a criminal offence had been committed, but an investigation is ongoing.

It is understood the girls were trying to cross the main road with two other friends when the crash happened.

Residents brought pillows and blankets out to make the children comfortable.

Two air ambulances landed in Wigan Road and a nearby field to take the children to hospital.

Anyone with information should call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 8564741.