STUDENTS have been saying prayers for a teenage pal who is now critical after she was hit by a car in east Belfast yesterday morning.

Police say the sixth form student at Strathearn College was struck by the car on the Upper Newtownards Road around 8.40 am.

She was rushed to hospital in a serious condition and underwent surgery on Tuesday evening.

Her condition is now described as “critically ill”.

A man in his 30s who was arrested in connection with the collision for causing grievous bodily injury by careless driving.

He was later released on police bail pending further inquiries.

School principal David Manning said the thoughts and prayers of the school were with the injured girl and her family.

“The school is in regular contact with her family and are hoping for a full and speedy recovery.”