A seven-year-old girl is in hospital with "potentially life threatening injuries” after being hit by a truck on her way home from school, police have said.
The incident took place outside Knop Law Primary School, in Chapel House, Newcastle, on Monday afternoon.
Police said the child had suffered "potentially life threatening injuries" in the collision, which involved a heavy goods vehicle.
Headteacher of Knop Law Primary School, Liz Simpson, confirmed that the injured pupil went to the school.
Speaking to ChronicleLive, she said: “It is with deep sadness that I have to confirm one of our children was involved in a road traffic incident outside of our school yesterday afternoon.
“She is currently in hospital receiving treatment for serious injuries and our hearts go out to her and her family at this terrible time. The whole of the school community is in shock at this sad news."
Northumbria Police has launched an investigation into the incident, which took place at around 3pm, near the junction between Chadderton Drive and Hillhead Parkway.
Officers are asking witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to get in touch.
Parents have been urged not to speculate about the collision while it is being investigated, Ms Simpson said.
She added: "I would like to pay tribute to the professionalism of emergency services who attended, and would request that people do not speculate about what happened while police carry out their investigation.
“The school is fully cooperating with the police and we continue to support staff, children and their families.”
One parent told the paper that the atmosphere around the school gates after the incident had been “eerily quiet”.
They said: “The drop off this morning was horrendous, it was eerily quiet and no-one even spoke to each other, they all had tight grips on their kids, its so so sad.
"My son sometimes thinks it's not cool to hold his mam's hand, but by God he held my hand all the way home yesterday."
A spokesperson from Newcastle City Council said: “Yesterday afternoon a schoolgirl from Knop Law Primary School, Chapel House, was involved in a collision with a lorry outside of the school. She was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
"Our hearts go out to her family, friends and the entire school community who are deeply shocked and upset.
“While police are investigating the incident we would request that people do not speculate about what happened. The council is working closely with the school and giving support at this difficult time.”
Anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to contact Northumbria Police via the force’s website or by email at 2729@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.
