A SEVEN-year-old boy died following a collision with a minibus near Monmouth yesterday - and its driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

The boy was a pupil at Osbaston Church in Wales School in Monmouth. In a statement, the school said he was "a huge part of school life, lively and always smiling".

His family is being supported by specially trained Gwent Police officers.

The incident occurred shortly before 4pm yesterday on the A466 heading north from Monmouth.

The minibus driver, a 45-year-old man from Gloucester, remains in police custody.

West Midlands Ambulance Service was called to reports of a collision on the A466 Hereford Road in Monmouth.

One ambulance attended, along with colleagues from Welsh Ambulance Service.

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A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Ambulance crews arrived to find a pedestrian, a boy, who had been involved in a collision with a bus.

"Sadly, nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead on scene.”

The A466 - between the junction for Withy Lane, north of Monmouth, and the Llangrove turn-off, at Welsh Newton, over the border in England - remained closed for the rest of the afternoon and into the evening as a result of the collision.

On Tuesday afternoon, Osbaston CIW School's headteacher and chair of governors released a joint statement, saying they were "hugely saddened by the loss of our pupil".

They added: "The whole school community is coming to terms with this tragic news and we are holding our memories of a very popular little boy, full of character and energy. 

"He will be missed by all of his friends with whom he loved playing tag and football. 

"His family are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.  He will be deeply missed by all.”

Monmouthshire County Council also extended their condolences to the boy's family.

Council leader Peter Fox said it was "just not possible to put into words how sad we feel".

Cllr Richard John, cabinet member for children and young people, said: "My deepest sympathies go out to this child’s family. I cannot even begin to understand what they are going through right now. This is such a huge loss.”

And council chief executive Paul Matthews said the local authority has been "rocked" by the tragedy.

"There will be much to do in the coming days and we will play our part to the best of our ability working closely with Gwent Police and other agencies," he said.

Gwent Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, and are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision and/or has dash cam footage from the area around that time, to get in touch.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 3.40pm.

Anyone with information should telephone 101, quoting reference number 2000014860.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or send a direct message with information to the Gwent Police Facebook or Twitter social media accounts.