Police hunt driver on the run after eight people hit

The scene of hit-run crash in Pakenham in which seven children and an adult were injured. Credit: Nine News

A driver has fled the scene after hitting seven children and seriously injuring a woman as they crossed a road in Melbourne's south-east on Friday afternoon.

It is believed a ute struck the woman and children as they crossed the intersection of Cardinia Road and Princes Highway in Pakenham just after 3.30pm.

The driver left his vehicle and ran away, police said.

A woman aged in her 30s suffered chest, back and shoulder injuries and was taken to The Alfred hospital in a serious condition, an Ambulance Victoria spokeswoman said.

A primary-school-aged girl suffered abdominal and leg injuries and was taken to the Royal Children's Hospital in a stable condition.

Five other primary-school-aged girls were treated for cuts and grazes at the scene before three were taken to Dandenong hospital and two others were transported to Monash Medical Centre.

Another primary-school-aged boy was treated at the scene, but he wasn't taken to hospital.

Police said the driver was perceived to be of "Pacific Islander or Maori" appearance, aged in his mid-20s with a solid build with black afro style hair.

He was last seen running west on the Princes Highway wearing a dark blue t-shirt and long black pants.

The intersection where the incident occurred is close to schools including St Francis Xavier College and St Clare’s Primary School.

VicRoads has warned that traffic in all directions is affected and motorists are urged to avoid the area and use the Princes Freeway as an alternative.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 00

More to come.