Neighbours lift car off Sunderland boy as he lay trapped after collision

The youngster is believed to have suffered a number of broken bones, after becoming trapped under a vehicle in Pickhurst Road on Saturday.

The incident happened at around 4.40pm and led to a number of residents running to his aid.

Two people were arrested soon after the incident on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

It is understood the nine-year-old, who had been out playing, had become trapped under the front of the car.

Fearing for his life, a number of residents managed to lift the car from him and pull him to safety.

One resident who went to his aid said: “He was under the car. There was six of us, we managed to lift the car off him. Everyone was just panicking.

“He was under the wheels, we weren’t sure if we should have moved him, but he was saying he couldn’t breathe.

“We just got him out and the helicopter landed and took him away.”

The youngster was airlifted to Newcastle’s Royal Victoria Infirmary.

On Saturday a number of traffic officers were in the area and the road was closed while the collision investigations unit carried out its investigations into the incident.

Another man who rushed to help the youngster, along with his dad, uncle and cousin, said: “I am still in shock. I live round the corner and I just heard screaming.

“My uncle come running along asking if we had a jack, and I just ran round and he was under the car at the front.”

He added: “When we got him out, we put him down on his back. I took my jumper off and put it under his head. The ambulance come within seconds.

“I had to walk away after, as I was in shock.”

Police confirmed at the weekend, following the collision two people were taken into police custody.

A police spokesman said: “We have got two people in custody who have been arrested for causing serious injury by dangerous driving.”

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact police on 101.