A BOY was critically ill in hospital last night after trying to shield his young friend when they were hit by a truck.

Nine-year-old Shay Corrie and Jack Briggs, five, suffered serious head injuries when they were hit as they crossed a road not far from their homes.

It is thought Shay, who was holding Jack's hand, saw the vehicle at the last minute and tried to protect the younger boy from the impact.

The children are being treated in the intensive care unit at Newcastle General Hospital, where Jack is said to be in a poorly but stable condition and Shay is critical.

It is thought the boys had run from a field into the path of a recovery vehicle at the junction between Seaham Road and Queensway, in Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside, at 5pm on Tuesday.

Shay's parents, Steven, 45, and Judith, 39, were alerted by neighbours who tried to help the children.

Mr Corrie said: "We ran round and they were lying in the road. It still doesn't seem as though it really happened, it's like a dream.

"We have only lived here two weeks and Shay rarely goes out, but it was a sunny day and he wanted to be out with his friend. They live next to each other and since we have been here they have been inseperable."

Jack's grandparents, Jim and Patricia Taylor, also tried to help.

Mr Taylor said: "We heard that Shay had shielded Jack from the lorry. He had certainly taken the brunt of the impact."

The pair were taken to Sunderland Royal Hospital before being transferred to the specialist head unit at Newcastle General Hospital.

The driver, a 31-year-old man from Esh Winning, near Durham, passed a breathaliser test shortly after the accident.

Witnesses are asked to call Northumbria Police's traffic south department on 0191-454 7555.