Bus driver arrested after collision leaves young girl with life-threatening injuries

A nine-year-old girl was left with life-threatening injuries after a collision involving a bus – the driver of which was arrested.

Shortly after 9am on Saturday, police were called to a bus in collision involving two children in Watling Street near the junction with Halcot Avenue in Bexleyheath.

The girl was taken to hospital by ambulance. Her injuries were described as life-threatening. A five year-old boy was taken to hospital as a precaution.

The children are siblings who were with a family member at the time of the collision. Officers are providing support to their family.

The male driver of the bus was arrested. He has been taken into police custody, where he remains.

Rosie Trew, Transport for London’s head of bus service delivery, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the children involved in a bus collision in Bexley today.

“This will be a distressing time for their family and we have support available for anyone affected.

“We are supporting the police and the bus operator, Arriva’s, urgent investigation into what happened.”