Image caption The children had been on their way home from school

A brother and sister are still being treated in hospital after being struck by a car in County Antrim.

Police said the incident happened on the Staffordstown Road, at its junction with Greenan Road, near Randalstown at about 16:40 GMT on Tuesday.

The children were struck by a car that remained at the scene.

The girl remains in a critical condition while her brother is now said to be stable.

Image caption The children are in hospital following the incident

The children are pupils at St Patricks College in Maghera and principal, Brenda Mussen, said both are admired by their peers and teachers.

"They're lovely children, they're very popular with their peers and very well respected in the school," she said.

"It's devastating news for the school community, we are very shocked. At this time I just want to ask everybody to keep the children in their thoughts and prayers as we are doing.

"Every prayer counts at this stage."

Image caption The Staffordstown Road was closed in both directions on Tuesday night

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney, who knows the family, said they had been on their way home from school.

"They were alighting from the school bus and in the process of walking home," he said.

"It is devastating for their family and they come from an extremely well-respected, well-liked family within the greater Creggan area."

Staffordstown Road was closed in both directions, between its junctions with Cranfield Road and Derrygowan Road, but has now re-opened.

The PSNI has appealed for witnesses to contact them.