A TODDLER is fighting for his life and a woman suffered "life-changing" injuries after a car mounted the pavement and hit them in Bournemouth on Thursday morning.

The two-year-old boy is being treated for serious head injuries at Poole Hospital and the woman, in her 40s, is in Southampton General Hospital with serious leg injuries.

This morning the toddler was described as "critical but stable". 

The pair were walking along the pavement at Charminster Avenue’s junction with Gresham Road when, just after 9am, the horrific crash involving a red Audi A1 and black Volkswagen Lupo occurred.

Police and ambulance attended the scene and a road closure was in place at the junction with Charminster Road and Sutton Road. The road was closed for several hours and re-opened around 1.20pm. 

Bournemouth Echo:

Dorset Police asked motorists to avoid the area while the closure was in place. 

The two vehicles involved in the accident, a red Audi A1 and a black Volkswagen Lupo were pulled up at the junction with Gresham Avenue, which was cordoned off by police.

Bournemouth Echo:

Parts of a garden wall and road sign have been knocked down and a damaged child's pink scooter is among the debris on the road and pavement.

Bournemouth Echo:

There were five police vehicles and one paramedic car at the scene, along with crash investigators.

A 27-year-old man from Bournemouth has been arrested on suspicion of a driving offence, and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

Sgt John Wren said: "There were two vehicles involved which came together at the junction. One was turning right into Gresham Road and one going straight across.

"As a result the two came into contact with each other and one mounted the pavement. Unfortunately at the time it mounted the pavement there was a pedestrian with a young child walking there.

"Both sustained potentially life-threatening injuries. They were taken to seperate hospitals due to the nature of those injuries."

“We are currently investigating exactly what happened and I am appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or the manner of driving of either vehicle prior to the incident to contact me on 101.

“Specially-trained family liaison officers from the traffic unit are supporting family members of the woman and child at this difficult time.

He also thanked motorists for their patience while the road closures were in place. 

A 27-year-old man from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of a driving offence and is assisting officers with their enquiries.

He said the family of the injured had been informed.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 8:87. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.