A TEENAGER was taken to hospital after she was hit by a car in Colchester.

The 13-year-old had been crossing the road with a group of friends on Balkerne Hill, close to Crouch Street, when she was knocked down.

An accident and emergency nurse, travelling on the road, was on the scene within seconds to give emergency first aid.

Two women from a local pharmacy also waited with the Philip Morant School pupil while ambulances arrived.

One witness said: “The girl was lucky.

“There was an accident and emergency nurse who jumped out of her car to help."

Police interviewed the girl’s friends at the scene of the accident, which happened at about 5.50pm on Friday.

The 13-year-old was put on a back brace as a precaution and taken to Colchester General Hospital for treatment.

Residents and councillors have previously complained about the crossing, insisting the lights are out of sync and flash green for pedestrians to cross when cars are told to start moving.

Essex County Council has said the crossing is operating correctly.

A spokesman for Essex Police said the girl suffered cuts and bruises.

An investigation has been launched into what happened.