A BOY was trapped under the wheels of a car for nearly half-an-hour after an accident.

Police said eight-year-old Nathan Hill ran into the path of a Ford Escort in Leigh.

He was trapped under the rear wheels and only his legs could be seen sticking out.

Nathan's anguished mother held his hand while firefighters and paramedics worked in a delicate operation to free him as he drifting in and out of consciousness.

Nathan, who lives on Henry Street, was taken to Hope Hospital with spine and pelvic injuries but was later transferred to The Royal Manchester Children's Hospital at Pendlebury.

Police say driver Nicola Monroe, of Leigh, was turning left from Henry Street into East Bridgewater Street.

Residents blamed the accident on poor street lighting and called for improvements.

One resident said: "Nathan had bright clothes on, but there are hardly any street lights around here and a driver doesn't stand a chance.

"It is so sad. Nathan is such a lovely boy. He hardly ever plays out and this is the first time we had seen him for a long time."

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