A young girl has been airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge after being struck by a car in Ipswich this afternoon.

Police have taped off Suffolk Retail Park in London Road, where the crash happened, and no-one is being allowed in while emergency services investigate the circumstances of the collision.

Witnesses reported seeing up to eight police cars, the air ambulance and three ambulance vehicles in the area shortly after 1.10pm.

The injured girl, who is thought to be eight years old, was initially taken to Ipswich Hospital via land ambulance.

The East Anglian Air Ambulance landed nearby at Handford Hall Primary School in Gatacre Road but was not required at the time.

However, when the girl was assessed by medics at Ipswich shortly after arriving at A&E another air ambulance was sent to transport her to Addenbrooke’s Hospital.

She has been flown there with serious head injuries, a spokesman for the ambulance service said.

Initial reports suggested the girl’s injuries were life-threatening, but her current condition is not known at this time.

No-one else is believed to have been hurt in the crash.

Shoppers who were inside the retail park at the time were directed out of the park by officers.

There is heavy traffic near the entrance of the park as drivers are diverted away.

A police spokeswoman said the retail park will be closed until further notice.

The Serious Collision Investigation Team has been informed, she added.

Witnesses to the crash and anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting CAD reference number 225 of today, July 27.