A DAD who treated a six-year-old boy after he was struck by motorbikes in a suspected hit-and-run incident says his “parental instinct” kicked in after seeing the extent of the youngster’s injuries.

Father-of-seven, Craig Collins, leapt in to provide first aid for the young boy, who was rushed to hospital with “serious injuries” following the incident, which happened on London Road on Sunday, July 17.

The six-year-old, who was with his grandad at the time, was crossing the pedestrian lights near to Winton Community School at around 7pm when he was struck by two motorbikes.

He suffered broken bones, bruising and injuries to his head.

Mr Collins, who is a trained first aider at his workplace, Nomix Enviro, was one of the first people at the scene.

He said: “I turned up just after the collision and could see a few cars by the road.

“I didn’t know what was going on until I saw the little boy’s shoes lying in the road.

“The little boy’s grandad was crouched over him and I told him I was a first aider and offered my help.

“I was quite shocked at the extent of his injuries.

“I’m the first aider at work and I’m used to dealing with cuts but I’ve never been to a road traffic collision.

“I was shocked but at the same time he needed help.”

Asked why he jumped in, the 31-year-old, who has children aged between three and 13, said: “I think it was just parental instinct.

“I have got seven children of my own and one of them is six.

“I felt like I had to do something.”

Following the incident, family members of the boy flocked to social media to thank the community for their support.

One family member posted that the six-yearold was in a “stable” condition and is recovering well.

His auntie also posted on Facebook: “There were over twenty 999 calls for him that night.

“I can’t believe how complete strangers all came together to support and help not only him but everyone there. He’s a little fighter.”

Three men, a 21-year-old and a 22-year-old from Andover, and a 23-year-old from Penton Grafton, have been arrested in relation to the incident.

They have been released on bail until October 24, pending further police enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting 44160266796.