THE 10-year-old boy who was killed in last week’s Minehead Middle School coach crash has been named as Oliver Price.

Police released Oliver’s name on Monday evening (July 21) and said: “Our thoughts are with his parents and family, who have been updated and continue to be supported by a specially-trained officer.”

Twenty-one other people were injured in the crash on Cutcombe Hill on Thursday and two children and one adult are currently still in hospital in Bristol and two adults are in hospital in Somerset, while a number of children were discharged over the weekend.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson said: “Our investigation into the collision is continuing this week.

“Officers from our serious collision investigation team have been carrying out thorough inquiries to understand the full circumstances of the collision.”

They said the wrecked Ridlers coach was recovered on Saturday and will now be subject to a detailed examination over the coming days by experts, as part of the force’s usual investigative inquiries.

Officers have also been taking statements from a number of adults who were either on the coach or were travelling in the area at the time as part of their work to establish the full circumstances of the incident.

An examination of the scene has been completed, but the A396 remains closed while a detailed safety inspection is carried out by Somerset Council.

Police neighbourhood officers will be present in the coming days outside the middle school, which breaks up for the summer holidays on Wednesday, and will welcome anybody speaking to them with any concerns.

Chief Supt Mark Edgington said: “Our thoughts are first and foremost with Oliver’s family at what must be an unimaginably difficult time.

“We will continue to make sure they are updated.

“Our investigation is now well underway with officers working tirelessly to find out what caused it.

“This work is likely to take some time and we are asking for patience while these inquiries take place.

“Over the last few days we have been working closely with our partner agencies and the school to ensure support is in place for anybody who might need it.

“We are extremely grateful for all the support that has been received locally.

“This clearly shows how special and close-knit this community is.

“I would like to also thank all the emergency services and voluntary groups who responded for their support as well as everybody in our hospitals who continue to help those who were injured.”

Chief Supt Edgington said anybody who witnessed the collision or who had any information they thought could be of relevance to the investigation should call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5225201782.