A TODDLER escaped with cuts and bruises after being hit by a car and thrown across a road in Southampton.

The three-year-old boy was hit by a green Volkswagen Polo and thrown several metres after breaking away from his mother.

The incident happened on Shirley High Street at its junction with Anglesea Road shortly after 2.40pm.

The youngster was left with cuts and bruises but no serious injuries.

Anglesea Road and nearby Victor Street were closed following the accident, and reopened at 4.20pm.

A rapid response vehicle and an ambulance crew treated the boy at the scene before taking him under police escort to Southampton General Hospital for further treatment.

A spokeswoman for South Central Ambulance Service said: "The child was very lucky to escape with such minor injuries.

"He was thrown some way, and it is amazing he wasn't more seriously hurt."