A schoolgirl has died following a crash involving a car and a coach.

The girl, who has not yet been identified but is thought to have been a teenager, was fatally injured at around 8.17am when the Renault Clio she was travelling in was involved in the collision.

West Midlands Police said officers were immediately sent to the scene at Valley Road in Bloxwich but despite the best efforts of the emergency services, nothing could be done to save the girl.

She was travelling in the Clio with a woman and a boy, who is also believed to be a teenager.

Both the woman and the boy were taken to hospital in a serious condition. Their injuries are described as potentially life-threatening.

A police spokesman said seven children from Shelfield Community Academy in Pelsall who were on the coach at the time of the collision were badly shocked but physically unharmed. They were taken to school on another bus and are being given support by the school and their families.

Inspector Paul Bennett is leading the investigation into the incident.

He said: “This was a serious collision which has resulted in the tragic death of a young girl and badly injured a woman and another child.

“We're working hard to understand what led to the collision and I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time and who has not yet spoken to us to contact my officers as a matter of urgency.

“Our thoughts remain with all of those affected by the incident.” No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information which may aid police should call the Regional Collision Investigation Unit on 101.

PA