CHILDREN who saw a schoolmate seriously injured in a horrific smash are to receive counselling.Leiston Middle School head teacher Stephen Wood said several pupils had been left traumatised after watching the 12-year-old cyclist in collision with a tipper truck.

CHILDREN who saw a schoolmate seriously injured in a horrific smash are to receive counselling.

Leiston Middle School head teacher Stephen Wood said several pupils had been left traumatised after watching the 12-year-old boy and his bike collide with a tipper truck.

The boy, who has not been named, had an operation at Ipswich Hospital yesterday and faces further surgery today.

A hospital spokesman today said his condition was still serious and had since been transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge.

The boy, suffered two broken legs, a broken arm, crush injuries to his pelvis and bruises after being in collision with a Ford Transit tipper truck near the junction of Cross Street and Platers Walk yesterday morning.

He said: "The school is still in a state of shock and some children will need counselling."

"I only found out about the accident when four girls ran in to tell me."

Mr Wood had the onerous responsibility of informing the boy's father, who he said was obviously left shocked and stunned to hear his son had been injured.

It was a shocking introduction to Leiston life for the new head, who had left his native Nottinghamshire for Suffolk just last week.

"Obviously I am worried about that boy who is lying in hospital.

"We are all thinking of ways we can make his life happier and to show him he is not alone.

"I'll be writing to all parents to keep them informed and to ask them for any ideas."