A SCHOOLGIRL hit by a car is fighting for her life in hospital, police say.

The 11-year-old was knocked over by a BMW in Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, just after 3pm yesterday (Tuesday November 20).

She suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to the major trauma unit at the Royal London Hospital.

It happened close the junctions with Hitcham Road and Seymour Road, which is near Lammas School.

Police at the scene told passers-by that it was a school pupil that was injured and she may have been on her way home.

A Met spokesman said: "The girl's injuries are believed to be life threatening/changing at this time.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

A spokeswoman for the London Ambulance Service said: "We were called to reports of a collision between a car and a pedestrian.

"We sent two fast responders, an ambulance and a duty officer to the scene."

The road remained part closed for much of the afternoon following the crash.