A coach company that ferries hundreds of children to and from school is being probed over claims its vehicles have been travelling without insurance.

Gravesend-based Manns Travel, which operates across the county and in London, is being investigated by police.

One of its coaches was taking Gravesend schoolchildren on a trip to Rochester when it was boarded by officers yesterday morning.

The investigation began after an anonymous tip-off from a parent.

Manns Travel has a fleet of 20 vehicles including cars and minibuses, and services several schools in Gravesham.

A message on the company’s website says: “Manns Travel cover all schools in the Kent and London area and can provide transport for home to school runs, swimming contracts or for day hire all at very affordable prices.

“All our vehicles are fully insured, have seatbelts and come with a friendly, uniformed driver.”

One furious father, who wished to remain anonymous, said his 13-year-old daughter was one of the children stranded in the Medway coach park as the vehicle was taken off the road.

"I can’t believe this has happened. It’s disgraceful and now KCC, I feel, have to take this seriously..." - concerned parent

Fortunately, another coach was able to pick-up the marooned youngsters shortly after.

The 41-year-old, whose daughter goes to a Gravesend school, claimed the actions of Manns had “endangered his daughter’s life”.

He said: “I’m disgusted, absolutely disgusted. I feel very let down.”

“I can’t believe this has happened. It’s disgraceful and now KCC, I feel, have to take this seriously."

A police spokesman said that inquiries were being made after officers received information about “suspected uninsured vehicles”.

A spokesman from Kent County Council said that children would be taken to and from school in replacement services.

He said: “Kent County Council was notified that Manns and Owens Travel would not be operating any bus or coach services from the afternoon of Thursday, March 4.

“To ensure all passengers would be able to travel from that afternoon onwards, staff at the county council’s public transport department have made arrangements with other operators to provide replacement services in the interim.

“All schools affected have been kept informed and we expect that those interim replacement services will continue until the matter is resolved.”

Manns Travel has been approached for a comment.

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