Two children were taken to hospital yesterday afternoon after being hit by a car.

Police and paramedics were called to  the scene outside Hereward Primary School in Colebrook Lane, Loughton, at around 3.25pm following reports of two seven-year-old boys being hit by a Rover.

Both children were treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Whipps Cross Hospital in Leytonstone for further treatment for facial and foot injuries.

Both have since been released from hospital.

One eyewitness said: "I was just putting my daughter in the car and they were calling her name.

"They ran across the road and back and out of the corner of my eye I saw a car. It happened so quick, I shouted at the driver to stop and he hit them.

"He wasn't going fast but he ran over one of the boys foot and the other was hit in the side and went over the bonnet.

"It was really horrible and frightening."

Hereward Headteacher Matt Woolard said: “We are very relieved to be able to report that both boys are OK and have no serious or lasting injuries.

"They are currently recovering from yesterday’s incident at home and we hope to see them both back in school very soon.”