Four children killed in Australia after group biking to buy ice cream hit by 4WD

Emergency services at the scene following the devastating crash.
Emergency services at the scene following the devastating crash. Photo credit: Screen grab via 9 News

Four children were killed and another critically injured when a four-wheel-drive vehicle struck a group biking to buy ice cream in the Sydney suburb of Oatlands.

Police said emergency services were called to the scene about 8pm on Saturday after reports several people had been hit by a vehicle.

Four children died at the scene. A 10-year-old child was taken to hospital in a critical condition, while two girls - aged 10 and 13-years-old - were also hurt but their injuries were not thought to be life-threatening, 7 News reports. All the children were riding bikes and on their way to get ice cream.

"The driver of the 4WD was subjected to a roadside breath test and returned a positive result," New South Wales police said in a statement. "He was arrested and taken to Castle Hill Police Station for a breath analysis."

A crime scene has been established and police enquiries are continuing.