A 12-year-old girl died and another is seriously injured after a school minibus overturned this morning.

The minibus, taking ten pupils to Newbridge Comprehensive School in Newbridge, flipped on its roof after colliding with a car on Hafodyrynys Road at 8.20am.

Police sealed off the crash scene for more than four hours and confirmed the driver of the minibus has been arrested for questionning in connection with the incident.

Paramedics battled to save the life of the 12-year-old girl but she died from her injuries at Newport's Royal Gwent Hospital.

Another girl is currently being treated for serious injuries in the intensive care unit at Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny.

The other schoolchildren received minor injuries and were taken to Nevill Hall for a check-up.

Gwent Police traffic division said it is believed the female car driver's injuries are not life threatening.

Inspector Fran Richley, of Gwent police traffic division, said all the parents had now been contacted and confirmed all the pupils were on their way to Newbridge Comprehensive School at the time of the crash.

Police have been in contact with senior management at the school to offer their support.

Inspector Richley said: "The reason for the collision is yet to be ascertained. We are continuing to investigate."

It is believed the minibus was travelling along the A472 while a Skoda Felicia vehicle was travelling in the opposite direction.

Residents of Woodside Terrace living around 200 yards from the scene said they had not seen nor heard the accident. Carol York, of Hafodyrynys Road, said: "At first there was no traffic coming along the road and then we heard the sirens at around 8.20am. There was a helicopter flying overhead."

She and her husband, Derek, described the road as busy and dangerous.

Resident Liz Hayman added that the sirens had woken her and she also said the road was extremely busy.

Residents spoke of frequent accidents occurring along the stretch of road.

A statement from Caerphilly council read: "We are deeply shocked and saddened to learn about the seriousness of this accident.

"We understand that there has been one fatality and our thoughts are very much with the children and their families at this difficult time.

"The council and coach operator will co-operate fully with the police investigation into the cause of the accident.

"Support is being provided for the children at the school and we will continue to offer every assistance to all those affected by the incident."