UPDATED 4.12pm A 3-year-old child has been struck by a vehicle in West Auckland this afternoon.

The crash happened on Jaemont Avenue in Te Atatu, which is now re-opened.

The incident happened about 1.30pm and the child has been taken to Starship Children's Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

At the scene, Inspector Shawn Rutene, said the boy ran across the road, where he has been hit.

The driver stopped immediately and is assisting police with their enquiries.

A neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said they were inside their house when they heard disturbing sounds coming from the street.

"We just heard a thump sound and then a woman screaming and we ran outside to see what had happened."

The driver of the car, who is not related to the youngster, was being supported also following the incident.

It is understood the child had been with a caregiver who was visiting a property on the street when he ran onto the road.

Inspector Rutene said the incident was a timely reminder to be safe on the roads and to look out for children, with school holidays starting next week.

"This is not a driveway incident. There's a lot of inquiries to be made, but at this point in time, the families are being supported but their own and by police.

The Waitemata Serious Crash Unit is investigating and St John is also at the scene.