THE mayor of Maldon has praised the “heroic” actions of residents who forced a driver to stop after a girl was injured in a crash.

A young girl under ten-years-old was hit by a car on the junction of Cross Road and King Street in Maldon yesterday evening at around 6pm.

Police reported that a BMW had been driving erratically, and after hitting several cars and then the young girl had attempted to flee.

However, thanks to the actions of residents, the driver was forced to stop, and was held by members of the public until police arrived.

Maldon mayor Jeanette Stilts praised the actions of those who helped.

She said: “I think they were quite heroic. They could have been hurt themselves while doing that, so I congratulate them.”

“As town mayor, I’m sending my best wishes to the girl that got injured. I hope she makes a speedy recovery.

“It’s a shame that things like this happen in our town.

“Once again, I certainly commend those people who bravely stepped in front of the car. Our thoughts as a town council go out to the family.”

The girl has suffered potentially life-changing injuries but is in a stable condition.

Call police on 101 with information.