A HORRIFIC accident which left a seven year-old boy with a broken jaw has prompted an urgent plea from his parents for a zebra crossing.

Ryan Wood was attempting to cross High Road, Kells, when he was struck by a passing car. He broke his jaw and nose and needed stitches under his chin.

This is not the first time a child has been injured crossing High Road and it has been described as "an accident waiting to happen".

"Ryan was with his friend and he popped his head out between two parked cars when a car wing mirror hit him," his mother, Mandy, told The Whitehaven News.

"He couldn't move and there was a puddle of blood, they thought they might have to get the air ambulance.

"It was horrible to see him lying there."

Ryan, who attends St Mary’s Primary School, on High Road, was rushed to the Cumberland Infirmary, where he spent Thursday night.

He was discharged on Friday afternoon but is currently unable to go to school and is in pain when he eats.

Mrs Wood said: "They were fantastic at the hospital. It will be an ongoing thing because he is still growing, he has to go back in three months."

High Road is a busy route through Kells with a play park on one side. Ryan’s father Frank believes the road needs at least a zebra crossing to make it safer.

He said: "Something definitely needs to be done, the same thing happened just four months ago.

"There are two schools, a library and a shop on that road and cars park down both sides."

The road currently has chicanes designed to slow down the traffic but these have not proved effective according to Mr Wood.

He said: "Kids run across the park to the shop and the current method isn't working, it's more of a hindrance.

"A zebra crossing would be easier because, as soon as someone has a foot on it, cars will stop."

George Clements, who lives on High Road, described it as "an accident waiting to happen".

"People are saying we should have some sort of crossing to help children across the road.

"High Road is very busy, we have just had a lot more houses built on the old White School site and more children use the play area as a result."

Mr Clements, a former Copeland councillor and executive member, added: "I would like to see a 20mph limit from the top of Ennerdale Terrace down to the North Row turning which would help. I think the county council need to look at it again."

A spokesman from Cumbria County Council said: "This collision is being investigated by the police and as such we are unable to comment at this time. Once we receive the accident investigation report, we will discuss its findings and decide if any suitable action needs to be taken on this section of road."

Police say enquiries will continue but no action has been taken at this time.