A young girl is in a critical condition in hospital after she was knocked down by a car in Co Westmeath.

The crash happened on the Killallon road in Clonmellon shortly before 7.30pm yesterday evening.

The girl was airlifted to Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

Her condition remains critical.

The scene has been preserved for technical examination and the road is currently closed with local diversions in place.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam footage, and were travelling in the area between 6.45pm and 7.45pm yesterday evening are asked to make this available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Mullingar Garda Station on (044) 9384000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.