A child is in a critical condition after being hit by a vehicle in south Auckland.

Emergency services were called to a property in Ashton Ave in Ōtara just after 3pm.

The child who was hit by a vehicle was taken to Starship Hospital in a critical condition, St John said.

Police said Ashton Ave was closed between Ōtara Road and Natalie Place, as the Serious Crash Unit will examine the scene,