Parents of schoolboy, 10, killed in tragic bus crash on school trip speak for first time

The parents of a 10-year-old boy killed in a horror coach crash have spoken for the first time and thanked the 'amazing' community for support.

Oliver Price sustained fatal head injuries when the vehicle returning from a school trip to Exmoor zoo left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead, Somerset, and slid down a 20ft slope. Hundreds of bouquets of flowers were left outside the gates of Minehead Middle School by locals.

And Oliver's parents have now released a statement and said they are "very grateful" for the emergency service workers who responded to the incident. They have also thanked their 'amazing' community for the support they have been receiving since the passing of their son.

READ MORE: Parents of Southport stabbing victim, 6, say her 'light lives on' one year on from attack

READ MORE: Manhunt after couple 'murdered' while hiking with daughters on Devil's Den trail

Dozens of children, mums, dads, grandparents and locals were seen crying as they laid flowers on the gates of the school.

Parents Lucy and Matthew said: "As Oliver's parents we have seen first-hand the incredible response from the community after the awful collision earlier this month.

"We are so very grateful to all the many emergency service workers who responded initially and those who continue to provide support in the aftermath, through the police investigation and the hospital teams who continue to look after those who were injured.

"We would also like to thank the team at the Rest and Be Thankful pub in Wheddon Cross for opening their doors to everyone that afternoon, without a moment's hesitation, and for making sure everyone was well looked after and providing a meeting place for parents.

"We send our best wishes and hopes for a speedy recovery to the other children and staff on the bus, particularly those who are still in hospital, you are all in our thoughts.

"The support we've received from our amazing community has been overwhelming. To those who left kind messages, or flowers outside the school, we want to say thank you.

"We are also grateful beyond words for all the staff and parents at the wonderful Minehead Middle School and for the love we've been shown by all our family and friends. We truly do appreciate you all. Finally, we would also like to pass on our thanks to the police investigation team for their support and ongoing hard work. We know this is a complex and emotive investigation but we appreciate their regular updates and continued efforts."

Avon and Somerset Police declared a major incident after the single-vehicle collision at Cutcombe Hill near Wheddon Cross at about 3pm on Thursday July 17.

The coach, which was carrying about 70 people - many who were pupils from Minehead Middle School- flipped onto its roof and slid down a bank.

The police, fire service and ambulance service revealed the coach overturned onto its roof and slid approximately 20ft (6m) down an embankment near Wheddon Cross, and firefighters had to work to free dozens of trapped passengers.

Three air ambulances were sent to the scene, along with more than 20 ambulances.