A three-year-old girl was hospitalised with multiple injuries including a head injury after being hit by a minibus outside a primary school in Epsom this morning.

The girl was taken to St George's Hospital in Tooting by ambulance after the crash which happened just before 9am, close to drop-off time at Southfield Park Primary School.

It is also the site of the Cherryfield Nursery.

Her next of kin had been informed about her injury, police said.

Surrey Police closed roads in the immediate area of Long Grove Road, while initial investigations were carried out.

Surrey Comet:

Long Grove Road and Brettgrave were re-opened at about 11.55am.

At Southfields this lunchtime pupils were playing in the playground as police finished clearing away traffic signs.

The road outside the school is very busy on schooldays, according to one neighbour.

John Atkin, a finance analyst living near the school, said: "The car park is not big enough and parents get desperate and park in the sides of the road.

"It is not surprising that a child might come between parked cars and is not seen."

Labour Councillor of Court ward – where the accident happened – Rob Geleit said: “It’s quite tragic really.

“We go door-knocking there quite a lot and it’s not been raised as an issue.”

Surrey Comet:

An ambulance spokesman said: "We responded to a call at 8.50am and one ambulance crew attended the scene.

"The young girl was treated at the scene and taken to St George's Hospital with injuries including a head injury."

Southfield Park Primary School declined to comment.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference number P16030297.