Boy, 7, dies after being hit by minibus in Monmouth

Samuel Barker was described as a "happy, active child"

A minibus driver has been arrested after a collision in which a seven-year-old boy died.

Ambulance crews were called to the A466 Hereford Road in Monmouth at about 15:50 GMT on Monday.

The boy has been named as Samuel Barker, from Monmouth, and his family said in a tribute he had a "glowing personality and zany sense of humour".

The bus driver, a man, 45, from Gloucester, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

Continuing the tribute, Samuel's family said: "He was always on the move, a happy, active child who loved toy cars, climbing trees, the great outdoors and especially skiing and ski lifts.

"As a family, we are upheld and sustained by our faith in Jesus. While we wish we might have had longer with Samuel, we know that he is now with the Lord Jesus Christ in eternal peace."

'Always smiling'

Osbaston Church in Wales School said it was "hugely saddened" by the death of Samuel, who it described as "a huge part of the school life".

The school's head teacher, Catherine Jones, and chair of governors, Shonagh Hay, said in a joint statement: "We are hugely saddened by the loss of our pupil. 

"This lovely little boy was a huge part of the school life, lively and always smiling. 

"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 deeply missed by all."

The A466 is the main road between Monmouth and Hereford

Peter Fox, the leader of Monmouthshire council, said: "It is just not possible to put into words how sad we feel.

"We are here to help and will be supporting the school, children and colleagues over the coming days and for as long as is necessary."

A spokeswoman from West Midlands Ambulance Service - which attended the scene along with crews from Wales - said the boy was a pedestrian.

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

Gwent Police closed the road between Withy Lane and Buckholt for several hours following the incident.

The driver remained in custody while the force appealed for witnesses.