A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD boy has died after being hit by a car in Newcastle yesterday evening.

The accident, which took place on Sceptre Street, Elswick, at around 5.35pm,occured when the boy was struck by a silver Mitsubishi Shogun.

The driver of the car ran to a nearby shop for help shortly after hitting the boy, and police and paramedics attended the incident.

The boy was taken to Newcastle General Hospital in a critical condition, and died a few hours later at around 8.30pm.

Anyone with information should call Northumbria Police on 03456 043043.