A three-year-old boy has been seriously injured after being struck by a car on a school field in Blandford Forum, Dorset.
The toddler was airlifted to hospital on Thursday afternoon following the collision on land that was illegally occupied by travellers.
The child remains in hospital after being transported by Air Ambulance.
Police said a 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent and driving offences.
Blandford School is located in Dorset
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The arrest followed the incident where a motorist towing a caravan collided with the young boy.
The incident occurred at approximately 4.30pm on Thursday when a white Seat Leon struck the child on the field at The Blandford School.
The collision happened as a caravan was being unhitched from the vehicle.
A group of 10 caravans had arrived to occupy the school field earlier that day.
Sgt Mike Burt said: "Our thoughts are very much with the young boy who was seriously injured and their family at this time."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:The officer confirmed the child had been "seriously injured" in the incident.
Police are continuing to investigate the full circumstances of what happened.
The travellers left the secondary school on Friday morning, less than 24 hours after arriving at the site.
The Blandford School was able to return to normal operations following their departure.
The group had occupied the field illegally before the serious incident occurred.
Sgt Burt added: "We are continuing to investigate the full circumstances of this incident, and I would urge any witnesses, or anyone with relevant dashcam or other footage, to please get in touch if you have not already contacted police."
A stock image of an air ambulance
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There will be an increased policing presence in the area as officers continue their inquiries and provide reassurance to the community.
A spokesman for The Blandford School said: "We are pleased to report that with the support of Dorset Police the travellers who were on the school site have now left and as such we are able to return to a 'normal' school day."
The school added that pupils were "a credit to themselves with the way that they handled things".
Blandford Leisure Centre, which is located next to the field, issued a statement on Thursday regarding the incident.
"We apologise for the disruption to our leisure centre customers since late afternoon, due to an emergency situation on the school site," the centre said.
