A TEENAGE air cadet was hit by a car as she walked home from a parade night in Hazlemere last week.

The 15-year-old girl suffered serious spinal and head injuries when she was hit by a blue Audi A6 in Amersham Road on Wednesday night, at around 9.40pm., say police.

The girl, a member of the Air Training Corps, was taken to Stoke Mandeville Hospital where she is said to be in a stable but critical condition.

She was leaving the Royal British Legion in Penn Road when she was knocked down between the Esso and Shell garages.

The car had come to the Hazlemere crossroads from Holmer Green Road and was turning into Amersham Road towards Amersham. Police cordoned off the area to allow an ambulance to reach her.

Kieran O'Conner, 20, was working in an off-licence beside the Royal British Legion hall when he saw the accident.

He said: "At first I thought it was a bollard the car had hit. Then I realised it was a girl.

"People in the garages rushed out to stop all the cars. The police put cones out and yellow tape between the two garages.

"When the ambulance arrived they put her in a stretcher. You could tell she was unconscious."

Denise Housby, a spokesman for the Air Training Corps, said the girl is a popular member of the Hazlemere group.

She said: "She is known as a superb cadet, held in the highest esteem. She is particularly interested in radio communication and has a bright future in the Air Training Corps.

"We were distressed to hear of the accident. Our thoughts are with her and her family at this time."

Air cadets who saw the crash have been offered advice and counselling.

l A 23-year-old was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

% Anyone who saw the crash should contact PC Anna McShane at Amersham Roads Policing on 08458 505 505