Girl, two, falls under car wheel

A two-year-old girl was seriously ill in hospital today after falling under the front wheel of a moving car.

The youngster suffered life-threatening injuries when she was run over on a driveway in Chard Barton, Plymouth, on Friday afternoon.

Police said it was believed to have been a "freak accident".

Sgt Gary Williamson of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: "The car driver called at the house to pick up a child.

"Her mother was talking to the owner of the car when the two-year-old clambered into the driving seat and started the engine.

"It shot back and she fell under the front driver-side wheel."

A police spokesman said the incident occurred at around 4.45pm on Friday.

The girl was taken to Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, and later transferred to Frenchay Hospital, Bristol, with "life-threatening injuries".

The spokesman said the girl remained in a serious condition.

He added: "Early indications are that it was a freak accident.

"Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances and are not in a position to release any further details at this time as enquiries continue."