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The Irish Sun
21-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Boy, 10, killed when bus overturned & slid down 20ft bank on way back from school trip is named
A SCHOOLBOY killed in a tragic bus crash on his way home from a trip to the zoo has been named. Tributes have poured in for 10-year-old Oliver Price, who died after the coach veered off the road on Thursday. 6 The coach veered off the A396 between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe in Somerset shortly before 3pm Credit: ANDREW LLOYD 6 Emergency crews rushed to rescue passengers from the bus following a crash Credit: SWNS 6 A woman kisses a child on the cheek in front of floral tributes outside Minehead Middle School after the tragic crash Credit: Getty The coach left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead and slid down a 20ft slope on Thursday afternoon last week. It had been returning to Minehead Middle School from a trip to Exmoor Zoo with 60 to 70 pupils and staff on board when the tragedy took place. Avon and Somerset Police Two children and one adult are still in hospital in Bristol and two adults are in hospital in Somerset. Read More Minehead bus crash A number of children were discharged over the weekend. The crash happened on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, at about 3.15pm on Thursday. The vehicle left the road, overturned and came to rest about 20ft from the roadway, down a steep slope. An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately. Most read in The Sun The bus driver is understood to be in hospital in a stable condition, but suffering from a number of injuries. Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said today: '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're 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're asking for patience while these enquiries 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 anyone who might need it. 'We are extremely grateful for all the support that's 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 everyone in our hospitals who continue to help those who were injured.' Minehead Middle School's website stated that pupils in that year group (aged nine to 10) were due to visit the zoo as part of the school's "Enrichment Week" activities. Three helicopters, deployed by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Devon Air Ambulance, joined police air crews on the day of the horror. Some casualties were then taken by air ambulance to hospital in Bristol. In a press conference outside Minehead Middle School, cops confirmed that they were called at 2.58pm to the "very complex and technically difficult scene". Parents - who had been summoned to the school by police - were seen visibly upset as they waited outside the building. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service's chief fire officer explained how an off-duty firefighter was travelling behind the coach at the time of the crash, and was able to offer assistance. Police confirmed that 21 casualties had been rushed to hospital, although the "large majority of passengers" were taken to a rest centre in Wheddon Cross. Officials say the coach came off the remote rural road and slid at least 20ft down a bank, having overturned onto its roof. Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, says: "We were mobilised to a major incident to a coach that had overturned onto its roof and slip approximately 20ft (6.1m) down an embankment. "Our crews carried out a number of extrications and rescues in extremely difficult circumstances, and he also supported our ambulance colleagues with casualty treatment. "This was a very complex and technically difficult incident for our crews to deal with, and I'm grateful for the tireless effort and actions of the crews in doing everything they could for those who were trapped as quickly as safely as possible." Eight fire engines, two specialist rescue appliances and around 60 firefighters were deployed to the scene. South Western Ambulance Service deployed 20 double crewed ambulances, three air ambulances, a command team and two hazardous area response teams. Cops estimate around 60 to 70 people were onboard the coach when it left the road. She got on the first of the two coaches instead and arrived home safely. But the second coach Another boy, "I just remember climbing up the hill to get back on the road," he said. His mum Kim said she became frantic when Jayden didn't arrive at his gran's house at 4pm on Thursday. "I'm just so grateful to have my baby home," she told the Ridlers Coaches director Peter Prior-Sankey said in a statement: "Everyone at Ridlers is truly devastated by yesterday's tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers remain with the pupils, their families, and the school. "Our thanks go to the incredible emergency service teams for their response, and to those across our local hospitals and community who have done so much for those impacted over the last 24 hours. "I can confirm that the driver is himself in a stable condition in hospital, but with a number of injuries. We are in contact with his wife and family, and have offered ongoing support." He added that staff at the company are being supported and he and his team are liaising with Somerset Council. Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to the tragic death of Oliver last week, saying: "A heartbreaking update on the school bus crash in Somerset. "There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child. "All my thoughts are with their parents, family and friends, and all those affected. "Thank you to the emergency workers who are responding at pace — I'm being kept up to date on this situation." An Avon and Somerset spokesperson said: "Our investigation into the collision on Exmoor last week in which a 10-year-old boy tragically died is continuing this week. "Formal identification has now been completed and we can confirm the victim was Oliver Price. Our thoughts are with his parents and family who have been updated and continue to be supported by a specially-trained officer. "Two children and one adult are currently in hospital in Bristol and two adults are in hospital in Somerset, while a number of children were discharged over the weekend. "Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Team have been carrying out thorough enquiries to understand the full circumstances of the collision. "The coach, which was transporting pupils and teachers from Minehead Middle School, left the A396 shortly before 3pm on Thursday 17 July. "A major incident was declared and a significant emergency service response began. "Despite their efforts, Oliver was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. A family liaison officer will continue to keep their parents updated as our investigation progresses. "The coach was recovered on Saturday and will now be subject to a detailed examination over the coming days by experts, as part of our usual investigative enquiries. "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 collision. "The examination of the scene has been completed, however the road remains closed while a detailed safety inspection is carried out by Somerset Council. "Neighbourhood officers will be present outside the school over the coming days and anyone with any concerns is welcome to speak to them." 6 Emily Manning, 10, climbed on board the doomed 70-seater after an end of term trip to the zoo but was told to get off because it was already full 6 Police on guard outside Minehead Middle School Credit: SWNS 6 The scene yesterday after the tragic crash Credit: SWNS
Scottish Sun
21-07-2025
- Scottish Sun
Boy, 10, killed when bus overturned & slid down 20ft bank on way back from school trip is named
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A SCHOOLBOY killed in a tragic bus crash on his way home from a trip to the zoo has been named. Tributes have poured in for 10-year-old Oliver Price, who died after the coach veered off the road on Thursday. 6 The coach veered off the A396 between Wheddon Cross and Timbercombe in Somerset shortly before 3pm Credit: ANDREW LLOYD 6 Emergency crews rushed to rescue passengers from the bus following a crash Credit: SWNS 6 A woman kisses a child on the cheek in front of floral tributes outside Minehead Middle School after the tragic crash Credit: Getty The coach left the A396 at Cutcombe Hill near Minehead and slid down a 20ft slope on Thursday afternoon last week. It had been returning to Minehead Middle School from a trip to Exmoor Zoo with 60 to 70 pupils and staff on board when the tragedy took place. Avon and Somerset Police confirmed this afternoon 10-year-old Oliver Price died in the crash. Two children and one adult are still in hospital in Bristol and two adults are in hospital in Somerset. A number of children were discharged over the weekend. The crash happened on the A396 at Cutcombe Hill, between Wheddon Cross and Timberscombe, at about 3.15pm on Thursday. The vehicle left the road, overturned and came to rest about 20ft from the roadway, down a steep slope. An off-duty firefighter travelling behind the coach was able to start freeing passengers immediately. The bus driver is understood to be in hospital in a stable condition, but suffering from a number of injuries. Chief Superintendent Mark Edgington said today: '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're 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're asking for patience while these enquiries 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 anyone who might need it. 'We are extremely grateful for all the support that's 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 everyone in our hospitals who continue to help those who were injured.' Minehead Middle School's website stated that pupils in that year group (aged nine to 10) were due to visit the zoo as part of the school's "Enrichment Week" activities. Three helicopters, deployed by Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Devon Air Ambulance, joined police air crews on the day of the horror. Some casualties were then taken by air ambulance to hospital in Bristol. In a press conference outside Minehead Middle School, cops confirmed that they were called at 2.58pm to the "very complex and technically difficult scene". Parents - who had been summoned to the school by police - were seen visibly upset as they waited outside the building. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service's chief fire officer explained how an off-duty firefighter was travelling behind the coach at the time of the crash, and was able to offer assistance. Police confirmed that 21 casualties had been rushed to hospital, although the "large majority of passengers" were taken to a rest centre in Wheddon Cross. Officials say the coach came off the remote rural road and slid at least 20ft down a bank, having overturned onto its roof. Gavin Ellis, Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, says: "We were mobilised to a major incident to a coach that had overturned onto its roof and slip approximately 20ft (6.1m) down an embankment. "Our crews carried out a number of extrications and rescues in extremely difficult circumstances, and he also supported our ambulance colleagues with casualty treatment. "This was a very complex and technically difficult incident for our crews to deal with, and I'm grateful for the tireless effort and actions of the crews in doing everything they could for those who were trapped as quickly as safely as possible." Eight fire engines, two specialist rescue appliances and around 60 firefighters were deployed to the scene. South Western Ambulance Service deployed 20 double crewed ambulances, three air ambulances, a command team and two hazardous area response teams. Cops estimate around 60 to 70 people were onboard the coach when it left the road. Lucky Emily Manning, 10, climbed on board the 70-seater after an end of term trip to the zoo but was told to get off because it was already full. She got on the first of the two coaches instead and arrived home safely. But the second coach veered off the road, flipped onto its roof and careered down a 20ft embankment. Another boy, Jayden, was on the bus that flipped, but said he doesn't remember much. "I just remember climbing up the hill to get back on the road," he said. His mum Kim said she became frantic when Jayden didn't arrive at his gran's house at 4pm on Thursday. "I'm just so grateful to have my baby home," she told the BBC. Ridlers Coaches director Peter Prior-Sankey said in a statement: "Everyone at Ridlers is truly devastated by yesterday's tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers remain with the pupils, their families, and the school. "Our thanks go to the incredible emergency service teams for their response, and to those across our local hospitals and community who have done so much for those impacted over the last 24 hours. "I can confirm that the driver is himself in a stable condition in hospital, but with a number of injuries. We are in contact with his wife and family, and have offered ongoing support." He added that staff at the company are being supported and he and his team are liaising with Somerset Council. Prime Minister Keir Starmer paid tribute to the tragic death of Oliver last week, saying: "A heartbreaking update on the school bus crash in Somerset. "There are no adequate words to acknowledge the death of a child. "All my thoughts are with their parents, family and friends, and all those affected. "Thank you to the emergency workers who are responding at pace — I'm being kept up to date on this situation." An Avon and Somerset spokesperson said: "Our investigation into the collision on Exmoor last week in which a 10-year-old boy tragically died is continuing this week. "Formal identification has now been completed and we can confirm the victim was Oliver Price. Our thoughts are with his parents and family who have been updated and continue to be supported by a specially-trained officer. "Two children and one adult are currently in hospital in Bristol and two adults are in hospital in Somerset, while a number of children were discharged over the weekend. "Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Team have been carrying out thorough enquiries to understand the full circumstances of the collision. "The coach, which was transporting pupils and teachers from Minehead Middle School, left the A396 shortly before 3pm on Thursday 17 July. "A major incident was declared and a significant emergency service response began. "Despite their efforts, Oliver was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. A family liaison officer will continue to keep their parents updated as our investigation progresses. "The coach was recovered on Saturday and will now be subject to a detailed examination over the coming days by experts, as part of our usual investigative enquiries. "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 collision. "The examination of the scene has been completed, however the road remains closed while a detailed safety inspection is carried out by Somerset Council. "Neighbourhood officers will be present outside the school over the coming days and anyone with any concerns is welcome to speak to them." 6 Emily Manning, 10, climbed on board the doomed 70-seater after an end of term trip to the zoo but was told to get off because it was already full 6 Police on guard outside Minehead Middle School Credit: SWNS
Scottish Sun
11-07-2025
- General
- Scottish Sun
Mystery of ‘unicorn' skull unearthed at King Arthur's castle deepens as new detail emerges
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FADED signature has been found on the bone of a 'unicorn' skull found at King Arthur's castle. It is thought the extraordinary object was expertly fabricated and buried near Tintagel in Cornwall by a prankster. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The 'unicorn' skull is now in a pub near Stonehenge, Wilts, after being left there by Canadian tourist John Goodwin Credit: ANDREW LLOYD 3 Sun man Alex with the 'unicorn skull' Credit: ANDREW LLOYD It is impossible to make out the scrawl which appears to be a signature but possibly reads 'Harald'. The skull is now in a pub near Stonehenge, Wilts, after being left there by Canadian tourist John Goodwin, 46, who found it last Sunday. It appears a talented craftsman has stuck the tusk in the middle of a donkey or horse's head to make the forgery. The area where it was found near St Nectan's Glen is known as one of the Duchy's most spiritual sites. Occultists have been known to go there to make offerings and carry out rituals, suggesting the skull may have been used for a ceremony. Amazon worker Timothy Painter, 56, from Durrington near Stonehenge, was at the pub when it was brought in. He said: 'I was amazed, it was real bone, the skull was fusing up to the horn and it had wobbly teeth. 'It would be a hard thing to hoax. 'I was looking at it being sceptical but I couldn't see anything that was fabricated. 'It's mysterious and magical and an anomaly.' Massive 250kg dinosaur SKULL dubbed 'Big Sam' unearthed by palaeontologists after 72million years in bone-filled creek Boffins at the Natural History Museum said they were unable to provide any comment on the item. A team of zooarchaeologists from Historic England have also been consulted.
The Irish Sun
11-07-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Mystery of ‘unicorn' skull unearthed at King Arthur's castle deepens as new detail emerges
A FADED signature has been found on the bone of a 'unicorn' skull found at King Arthur's castle. It is thought the extraordinary object was expertly fabricated and buried near Tintagel in Cornwall by a prankster. Advertisement 3 The 'unicorn' skull is now in a pub near Stonehenge, Wilts, after being left there by Canadian tourist John Goodwin Credit: ANDREW LLOYD 3 Sun man Alex with the 'unicorn skull' Credit: ANDREW LLOYD It is impossible to make out the scrawl which appears to be a signature but possibly reads 'Harald'. It appears a talented craftsman has stuck the tusk in the middle of a donkey or horse's head to make the forgery. The area where it was found near St Nectan's Glen is known as one of the Duchy's most spiritual sites. Advertisement READ MORE UK NEWS Occultists have been known to go there to make offerings and carry out rituals, suggesting the skull may have been used for a ceremony. Amazon worker Timothy Painter, 56, from Durrington near Stonehenge, was at the pub when it was brought in. He said: 'I was amazed, it was real bone, the skull was fusing up to the horn and it had wobbly teeth. 'It would be a hard thing to hoax. Advertisement Most read in The Sun 'I was looking at it being sceptical but I couldn't see anything that was fabricated. 'It's mysterious and magical and an anomaly.' Massive 250kg dinosaur SKULL dubbed 'Big Sam' unearthed by palaeontologists after 72million years in bone-filled creek Boffins at the Natural History Museum said they were unable to provide any comment on the item. A team of zooarchaeologists from Historic England have also been consulted. Advertisement 3 A faded signature has been found on the bone of the 'unicorn' skull found at King Arthur's castle Credit: ANDREW LLOYD
The Irish Sun
10-07-2025
- General
- The Irish Sun
Mysterious ‘UNICORN' skull found near King Arthur's castle – but is it a freak animal or a hoax?
A MYSTERIOUS 'unicorn' skull has been unearthed near King Arthur's castle. Tourist John Goodwin dug it up after spotting the long horn sticking out of moss on the edge of a Cornish cliff. 4 The mysterious 'unicorn' skull that was unearthed near King Arthur's castle in Cornwall Credit: ANDREW LLOYD 4 Unicorns appeared in Arthurian legend and are Scotland's national animal Credit: Alamy 4 Sun man Alex with the 'unicorn' skull at the Stonehenge Inn, Salisbury Credit: ANDREW LLOYD When he pulled it free, he found a skull with a single tusk in the middle of its forehead — like the mythical creature. John, a plumber from Canada was near He found the skull at St Nectan's Glen, a spot considered to be sacred. John, 46, said: 'The hairs on my arm stood up when I pulled it out. READ MORE UK NEWS 'I was in this magical place full of folklore and came across this item. 'There was moss at the edge of the cliff and something poking out of it. It looked like a horn and I kept tugging on it. " It was grown in there, it wasn't like someone put it there last weekend. It looked properly old.' John, in the UK to celebrate his grandparents' 50th wedding anniversary, took the curious object to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in nearby Boscastle but they refused to take it. Most read in The Sun He left it at The John said: 'I showed it to the barman and he offered me unlimited ales for the skull. Massive 250kg dinosaur SKULL dubbed 'Big Sam' unearthed by palaeontologists after 72million years in bone-filled creek "Between me and my wife, we had seven or eight and then we left the skull there.' 4 Tourist John Goodwin swapped the skull for free ale at the pub Credit: ANDREW LLOYD
