A boy (8) has been seriously injured in a quad bike accident in Co. Clare.

He and his father - who is in his 40s - were hurt when the vehicle hit a stone wall at 9:10pm last night.

It happened on a local road in the townland of Ballinagoagh North, near Mountshannon and Whitegate.

The boy was brought to Limerick Regional Hospital and is believed to be in a critical condition.

His father was also hospitalised although his condition is not life-threatening.

The road remains closed while gardai carry out a forensic examination. Officers in Scariff station are investigating.