Toddler clinging to life after being struck by motorbike on NSW north coast

An 18-month old boy is in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by a motorbike on the NSW north coast.

The toddler was playing with his siblings in the front yard of a home at Woolgoolga about 5.45pm on Wednesday when he ran into the roadway, police say.

It's believed he was chasing a ball at the time the tragedy occurred.

The motorbike rider stopped to render assistance to the young boy, who was quickly rushed by ambulance to Coffs Harbour Hospital.

He was later airlifted to the Sydney Children's Hospital where he is in a critical but stable condition.

The motorbike rider was taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests.