A NINE-year-old boy was today recovering in hospital after colliding with a car while out riding his bike.

The crash between the bike and a silver Vauxhall Corsa occurred in James Street, Southampton, at around 4.45pm yesterday afternoon.

The schoolboy was taken to Southampton General Hospital with head injuries, described as serious but not life threatening.

It is understood the driver was an 18-year-old local man who was uninjured.

Police last night issued an appeal for information and urged witnesses to come forward. In that appeal they incorrectly stated that the child was a six-year-old.

Officers from Totton Roads Policing Unit are appealing for any witnesses to contact them on 101.

The road has been closed and is likely to be shut for the next few hours.