A SIX-year-old boy was knocked down by Southend Council's CCTV car in the shared space on the seafront.

The collision happened at around 11.25am this morning, Thursday, as the child crossed Marine Parade, close to the New York amusement arcade.

Police attended the scene and the child was taken to Southend hospital by ambulance, but is thought to be suffering only minor injuries.

Southend Council has said it is looking into the circumstances of the collision and will make a full statement later.

The recently launched CCTV car is used by the council to enforce parking restrictions.

The collision will reignite the ongoing debate about the safety of the shared space, where the road and pavement are the same level.

FULL REPORT IN TOMORROW'S ECHO.