A SIX-year-old girl and her mother have been taken to hospital after being knocked down by a coach.

Emergency services were called to Marlborough Place, Brighton, after a coach collided with the two who were pedestrians at 9.07am.

The incident occurred close to the King and Queen public house.

The six-year-old girl was taken to hospital by ambulance with serious injuries, while her mother sustained minor injuries.

A section of the road is currently closed while the scene is secured.

A Sussex Police spokesman said no injuries have been reported by anyone on the coach, which was being used for a school trip.

Witnesses said the children on board the coach were believed to be from a Brighton school.

A spokesman for the South East Coast Ambulance Service said: "We received a call at 9am reporting that a child had been hit by a coach.

"Ambulance crews were sent to assist, including critical care paramedics.

"The girl was suffering from serious injuries and was taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital by road ambulance.

"An air ambulance was also sent to the scene."