A YOUNGSTER'S trip to see the Christmas lights switch-on was ruined when he was hit by a bus and left with a broken leg.

The 12-year-old boy was crossing the road between Blackhorse Street and Great Moor Street at about 5.30pm this evening when he was hit by a double decker bus.

Police said the boy, who was heading to see the Christmas lights switch-on, was left with leg and head injuries and he was taken to Manchester Childrens Hospital by ambulance.

The youngster is believed to be a student at Mount St Joseph's School in Farnworth.

There were emotional scenes when his group of friends witnessed the traumatic incident.

Onlooker Maqbool Ahmed said: "It looks like a young boy was hit by the bus and I think he has suffered a broken leg. He is being treated in the ambulance."

Another witness added: "It's nights like tonight, with the Christmas lights being switched on and there are lots of people running about, when things like this happen."

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "We received a call at 5.40pm after reports that a child had been hit by a bus.

"He suffered leg and head injuries but was described as conscious and breathing, with his injuries not thought to be life threatening."