Residents of Trevellance Way, Watford, have described their horror after witnessing the aftermath of a crash involving a schoolboy cyclist and a car at the end of their road.

Police and paramedics were called to the corner of Trevellance Way and Kingsway, North Orbital Road, Watford, at about 8.15am, following reports of an accident involving a young boy and a black Ford Mondeo.

The victim, thought to a 12-year-old pupil from St Michael’s School in Garston, was rushed to hospital after the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST), an ambulance from Watford station and the East Anglian Air Ambulance attended the scene.

Gary Sanderson, EEAST spokesman, said: "The young boy received injuries to his abdomen and legs and following treatment and immobilisation by EEAST and air ambulance crews, he was taken to Watford General Hospital by land for further care."

Doreen and Ralph Richardson, of Trevellance Way, said they witnessed the aftermath of the crash from their bedroom window.

Mrs Richardson said: "We saw police pulling the bicycle out from under the front of the car. At that point we thought to ourselves it must be serious.

"The paramedics and police were with the boy for a very long time and then a helicopter landed in Kingsway. There were lots of people around the boy, schoolchildren and adults.

"We often see children cycling to school, so I wouldn’t be surprised if the boy was on his way to school when it happened.

"All the traffic was trapped in our cul-de-sac as police closed off Kingsway to make room for the helicopter - I think drivers were there for about two hours.

"It’s a terrible thing to have happened but it’s not the first time. Someone was killed at the crossing here before. It’s a very busy road. We really do hope he’s okay."

Neighbour Pat Griggs described seeing a large crowd of people trying to help the injured boy.

She said: "I couldn’t see the boy as there were so many people gathered on the corner, but I did see police retrieve his bike.

"This road is always busy, so I’m not surprised there has been an accident.

"I feel for his mum, it’s not a nice thing to have happen to your child, the poor thing."

At the time of the incident police closed off Woodside Road traffic lights, but the road has since reopened.

Police have said the boy is being treated for serious injuries.