NINE pupils who came to the aid of a schoolgirl after she was struck by a suspected hit-and-run driver have been praised for their actions.
The youngsters, who are all between 11 and 16 and pupils at John Beddoes School in Presteigne, have all been presented with certificates of commendation from Dyfed-Powys Police for their quick thinking after the girl was hit after getting off the school bus.
The 11-year-old, who is now at home in Knighton recovering from two broken legs, was airlifted to hospital following the incident on Thursday, September 14.
Her schoolmates – Josey Hart, Zak Prichard, Callum Stead, Alex Ward, Chloe Ray, Shannon Bradley, Eve Tregenza, Ellie Bradley and Elinor Ray – were all presented with certificates at their school’s presentation evening.
Inspector Andy Pitt attended the presentation evening at the school, which is the Presteigne campus of Newtown High School, last Thursday to honour them for their service to the community.
They had got off their school bus on Ffydd Road, near Knighton Hospital at around 4pm when the girl was hit by a car.
Temporary Police Sergeant Gareth Earp, of Dyfed-Powys Police, praised the actions of the pupils. He said: “The children had alighted the school bus and on seeing the collision all acted quickly and responsibly. One ran to the girl’s house to inform her parents, others got coats and other items to keep her warm, another ran to the hospital to get help from medical staff.
“Another stopped a minibus knowing that minibuses carry first aid kits, one child waved vehicles to slow down and avoid the casualty in the road.
“They all worked as a team remaining calm.
“Lots of adults panic during these situations but the children ranging from 11 to 16 years all remained focussed to provide first aid and protect her.”
A 57-year-old man arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and failing to stop after a road traffic collision has been released under investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police.