TWO schoolgirls aged 10 and 11 were in hospital on Monday night after they were hit by a car at a crossing near a primary school in Banbridge.
The collision happened close to St Mary's Primary School on Scarva Road in the Co Down town shortly after 3pm on Monday.
Both are believed to have head injuries and one girl also suffered a neck injury and a broken leg.
One girl was taken to Craigavon Area Hospital where she was in a stable condition on Monday night.
The second girl was brought to Royal Victoria Children's Hospital. She was still being assessed on Monday evening but her condition is not thought to be life-threatening.
SDLP councillor Seamus Doyle said the children were knocked down on a very busy road.
"There are churches and two schools on that road but I understand the lollipop man has been taken away," he said.
"There really does need to be someone to help the children cross. Drivers also need to be mindful that children are in the area."
Upper Bann DUP assembly member Carla Lockhart said she hoped the children recovered soon.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to the children, and the driver, who are involved in this incident," she said.
"I hope the children will make a full recovery during what will be a worrying time for their parents and all involved."
The MLA said the collision "serves as a timely reminder to parents and children to make road safety a priority and for drivers to take extra caution during school times, when roads and footpaths are busier".
Scarva Road was closed following the crash.
