A toddler has been rushed to hospital after he was hit by a bus in a Newcastle suburb on Monday morning.
Police said the two-year-old boy was struck on Chatham Road at Hamilton North just after 8am.
He was taken to John Hunter Hospital in a serious condition, with leg injuries.
The bus driver has been taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.
"The leg injuries were severe, so paramedics stabilised the patient and tried to manage the pain," NSW Ambulance Inspector Jim Duffy said.
"The patient remained conscious throughout.
"This was a very challenging job to attend. I can't stress enough the danger that motor vehicles pose to children - and the need for constant vigilance around roads."
Police have cordoned off a section of Chatham Road near Newcastle Entertainment Centre and have put traffic diversions in place at Griffiths Road and Clyde Street.
Motorists are being asked to avoid the area - the road is expected to be closed into the day as investigations continue.
