AN HEROIC grandad is fighting for his life after saving his eight-year-old grandson from being hit by a car.

The 65-year-old, whose name has not been released, was walking Connor McEwan home from Gosfield Primary School, Gosfield, when they were in collision with a silver Vauxhall Astra.

It is understood the pair were on the pavement in The Street, near Ox Yard, at about 3.15pm on Wednesday when the grandad stopped Connor from being seriously hurt. He was flown to Queen’s Hospital, in Romford, after the accident where he was “critically ill” in an induced coma.

Connor was taken to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, with cuts and bruises, but was expected to be released late yesterday.

Gosfield Primary School headteacher Barbara Dean said: “Connor’s mum said his grandad actually saved Connor’s life. His grandad is in an induced coma at the moment, it’s quite a serious injury.”

Connor’s brother Jake, 11, who also attends Gosfield Primary School, was “being a tower of strength” at his Gosfield home, she added.

Parents have been concerned about The Street’s safety, worried about bends, narrow pavements and no permanent crossing. Children are having to walk to the village hall for assembly every week until a new school hall is built.

Jo Foley, who leads a safety action group for the village, recently gave a road safety petition to Essex County Council, which had been signed by Connor’s parents.

Essex Ambulance Service’s emergency medical technician Geoff Wood praised two off-duty nurses who helped paramedics at the scene.

Aircrew paramedic Richard Mackie added: “The patient suffered quite bad head injuries, including a broken jaw and other fractures.”

The road was closed for four hours while police carried out investigations.

Police spokesman Bill Stock said: “A 77-year-old man from Chelmsford was arrested on suspicion of careless driving. He was bailed until July 31, pending further enquiries.

“Anyone who witnessed the collision should contact Dunmow road policing unit on 0300 3334444.”