Police at the scene in Newham, east London after the crash yesterday (Picture: UkNewsinPictures)

A man has been arrested on suspicion of drug driving after a 12-year-old boy was hit by a car in east London.

The boy, who is in a potentially life-threatening condition, was treated by paramedics and taken to a nearby hospital, the Met said.

Police were called to the scene on Barking Road, East Ham, at 1.26pm on Sunday to reports of a crash.

The driver, who stopped, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drugs.

Police officers, London Ambulance Service paramedics and London’s Air Ambulance attended the scene, which was close to the junction with Melbourne Road.

Barking Road remains closed while the incident is investigated, the Met added.

A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Police were called at 13:26hrs on Sunday, 11 June to reports of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian in Barking Road, near to the junction with Melbourne Road.

‘Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.

‘The pedestrian, a 12-year-old boy, was taken to an east London hospital with life-threatening injuries. He remains in a critical condition. His family have been informed.

‘The driver of the car, a 33-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and driving whilst unfit through drugs. He remains in custody at an east London police station.

‘Detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for any witnesses, or drivers with dash cam footage, to come forward.

‘Anyone who can help the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 3936/11Jun.’

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The young boy is fighting for his life.