A 13-year-old boy was today fighting for his life after being struck by a bus. The youngster suffered serious head injuries in the accident which happened at 3.55pm yesterday.

Police said the accident happened in Front Street, Hetton-le-Hole, Wearside, near the junction with Caroline Street.

The boy was taken to Newcastle General Hospital where his condition was today described as critical.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: ''A 13-year-old male pedestrian from the Easington Lane area was struck by a single-decker bus which was being driven by a 33-year-old male, also from the Easington Lane area.

''As a result of the accident the pedestrian is presently detained in Newcastle General Hospital in a critical condition with serious head injuries.''