A FOUR-year-old girl has undergone surgery after suffering multiple serious injuries when she was hit by a car on a zebra crossing. 

Ella Heels was left with third degree burns and facial injuries when she was hit on Hockley Road, Rayleigh, shortly after finishing school on Friday at the nearby Edward Francis Primary School.

Over the weekend the youngster underwent surgery on her eye and will have a skin graft in coming weeks. 

Her family have been warned it could be six months until she is released from hospital but mum, Amy Maria, is confident Ella is already on her way to making a full recovery. 

Together - Ella (middle) holding hands with her brother and sisterTogether - Ella (middle) holding hands with her brother and sister (Image: Amy Maria) Amy has shared images of Ella in hospital in a bid to highlight the severity of the incident and to appeal for any witnesses to the crash to come forward. 

Ella suffered third degree burns across her face and arms from the car’s exhaust as well as severe road rash, but fortunately no broken bones. 

Police were called to the crossing, which is frequently used by pupils at both Edward Francis School and FitzWimarc School, at roughly 3.35pm on Friday.

Smiles - Ella (middle) with her two siblingsSmiles - Ella (middle) with her two siblings (Image: Amy Maria) Councillor for Sweyne Park and Grange, Danielle Belton said: “I’ve been contacted by multiple parents and have already messaged relevant parties about a crossing assistant.

“Whenever an incident like this happens, it’s worrying and heart-breaking.

“Essex County Council need to do more, there’s lots of cars and two schools within such a close proximity so safety needs to be improved.

“As councillors we need to make these crossings as safe as possible, and we’re asking parents where possible not to drive to school

“I’ve been told the young girl is okay but it’s going to be in long-term recovery.”

Essex Police have confirmed no arrests have been made. 

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We were called to reports of a collision in Hockley Road, Rayleigh, involving a car and a young child at around 3.35pm on Friday 20 September. The child was taken to hospital with a number of injuries following the collision at a crossing near the junction with Uplands Park Road.

“No arrest was made.”