A courageous ten-year-old boy has been praised for the brave way he looked after his sister as she lay injured in the road.

Joshua Brown-Hunter-Scott rushed to the rescue when he found his seven-year-old sister, Bethany lying injured in a pool of blood.

The youngster was injured by a passing car in Wickford Avenue, Basildon, and suffered cuts, bruising and a fractured cheekbone.

Brave Joshua knew exactly what to do.He shouted for help, dialed 999 and then passed on instructions from the telephone to those at the scene.

The driver of the Vauxhall Corsa involved stopped further up the road and returned to the accident scene immediately.

Mum, Kerry, 34, is proud of her son's efforts. She had been in a neighbour's house when the accident happened.

She said: "Once I was there Joshua ran into the house and called the ambulance. He was so courageous. He then opened the front window and was passing on instructions about what we should do - saying things like 'put a towel over her' or 'keep her warm'.

"I am really proud of him - how he didn't fall apart I don't know."

Apart from a bloodshot eye Bethany is now back to her cheerful bubbly self. Kerry added: "It was terrible - she was confused and bleeding, half on and half off the pavement."

Police have interviewed the driver of the car involved but today appealed for witnesses to the incident at 8.30pm on June 8. If you can help call PC Andy Hazell at Laindon traffic police on 01268 541312.

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