THE family of a seven-year-old boy who died in a horror collision with a school bus have paid tribute to their “happy” child with a “zany sense of humour”.

The tragic incident involving Osbaston Church in Wales Primary pupil Samuel Barker happened as children returned home from school around 3.40pm on Monday, on the A4666 road to Hereford on the outskirts of Monmouth.

His parents said: “On 13th January 2020, our beloved son Samuel Barker, aged seven, tragically died in a road traffic accident.

“Samuel had a glowing personality and a lightly zany sense of humour! 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.

“Samuel himself had a real faith. Some months ago he wrote these words: “I trust in Jesus. I am so excited to go to heaven.” We all look forward to seeing him there too.

“Samuel will be greatly missed by his school friends, his church family and most of all by his two adoring brothers, Mum and Dad, and very loving wider family.”

Osbaston Primary headteacher Catherine Jones and the school governors also paid tribute in a statement, saying the school was “coming to terms” with the loss of the little boy, who she described as “lively and always smiling”.

“We are hugely saddened by the loss of our pupil,” she said. 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 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.”

The 45-year-old driver of the minibus which was involved in the collision, who is from Gloucester, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and has been released under further investigation.

More than 10 emergency vehicles with sirens blaring raced to the crash site between the Manson Lane turn off and the former Buckholt Church, and the main road was closed off to traffic into the late evening from Monmouth School for Girls to Welsh Newton while police investigated.

A Gwent Police spokesperson said on Tuesday: “Emergency services were called at around 3.40pm yesterday, Monday, January 13, to reports of a road traffic collision between a minibus and a pedestrian on Hereford Road, A466, Monmouth.

“The pedestrian, a seven-year-old boy, sadly died at the scene. His family are being supported by specially trained officers.

“The driver of the minibus, a 45-year-old man from Gloucester, has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving. He remains in police custody at this time.

“Officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or if anyone has dash cam footage from the area around the time of the collision, to please contact us.

“Anyone with any information can call 101 quoting reference 2000014860 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. You can also send a direct message with information to our Gwent Police Facebook or Twitter social media accounts.”

A West Midlands Ambulance service spokesperson said: “We were called to reports of a collision on the A466 Hereford Road in Monmouth at 3.48pm yesterday afternoon... along with colleagues from Welsh Ambulance Service. 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.”

Residents took to social media to express their sympathy.

One woman posted: “Heartbreaking news, sending love to the family x”, while another said “I am so sorry to hear this.”

A third added: “Devastating. Poor little boy. Thoughts are with his family and friends. xx”