Twelve children and a bus driver have been taken to hospital and a man arrested following a serious crash.

The collision, which involved a bus and a tractor, happened on the A227 South Street in Meopham, near Culverstone Green, at around 3.25pm yesterday.

Police, paramedics, firefighters and the air ambulance were all called to the scene, which was close to the junction for Chapman’s Hill.

The bus driver and 12 children were taken to hospital.

Four others were treated by paramedics at the scene and one child remains in a London hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Three of the casualties taken for medical attention at local hospitals continue to be treated for injuries described as “serious”.

Following the incident, a 33-year-old man from East Sussex was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He was later bailed to return to the police station on August 18, pending further investigation.

Police are appealing for anyone with dashcam footage or video from the incident to come forward.

Anyone who may be able to assist the investigation should call SCIU on 01622 798538 or email sciu.td@kent.police.uk quoting reference EX/DGC/051/24.

Any video footage can be uploaded via the online portal here.

The road was closed for several hours while emergency teams worked at the scene but has since reopened.

Gravesham MP Adam Holloway said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by [the] accident on Wrotham Road between Culverstone and Meopham.”