A 14-year-old girl was seriously ill in hospital today after an accident as she crossed a busy dual carriageway in Bradford.

The youngster, who has not been named, was with a group of school friends when the incident occurred on Rooley Lane, opposite the Yorkshire Building Society building, at around 2.35pm yesterday.

A spokesman for Bradford South Police said the girl had been crossing the Odsal-bound carriageway close to a zebra crossing when she was involved in a collision with a white Rover 400 car.

The spokesman said: "The girl suffered serious head injuries and was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary before later being transferred to Leeds General Infirmary."

Today medical staff described her condition as critical. The driver of the Rover was not hurt.

"We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the accident to contact the police," said the spokesman.

The Odsal-bound carriageway of Rooley Lane was sealed off for about two hours while specialist police investigators examined the scene, causing traffic chaos throughout the late afternoon.

Anyone who witnessed the accident should contact Bradford South Police on (01274) 376459.