A SCHOOLBOY has died following a tragic crash on the A466 Hereford Road north of Monmouth.

Seven-year-old Osbaston School pupil Samuel Barker, was killed when he was hit by a school contract bus close to Manson Lane on Monday, 13th January at 3.40pm.Samuel’s family have released the following tribute;On 13th January 2020 our beloved son Samuel Barker, aged 7, 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.

Police and emergency vehicles attended the collision but all attempts to save him were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead at the scene. In a joint statement, Head Teacher Catherine Jones and Chair of Governors of Osbaston Church in Wales School Shonagh Hay said: “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”.The statement continued: “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.”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 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. The Mayor of Monmouth Cllr Richard Roden commented: “Words cannot express enough how this tragedy has impacted on the town. It has touched the hearts of many, and our thoughts are with the grieving family, friends, and the pupils and staff of Osbaston Primary School at this time.”Traffic was halted outside the Haberdashers’ Girls School and any oncoming traffic not turned back were directed through Manson Lane.Traffic from Hereford was re-routed through Llangrove, Whitchurch and Manson Lane while emergency vehicles from the West Midlands and Wales were active at the scene.Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision or anyone with any information or dash cam footage can call 101 quoting reference 2000014860 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.