AN East Tilbury mum has thanked the village community and the emergency services, including staff at Basildon Hospital, for the way they responded after her 12 year -old son was in collision with a vehicle and injured yesterday (Tuesday, 29 September).

The incident happened outside Stanford House on Princess Margaret Road yesterday as a group of children arrived back in the village from school.

Mum Lottie Tyne was nearby when it happened and told of her shock when she arrived on the scene and saw a crowd – knowing through her mum's instinct that her child, a student at St Clere's School, was injured.

However, he is now home and recovering after treatment at hospital after being in collision with the van, whose driver she mitigates from any blame.

Lottie says: ""What an amazing community. My boy got hit by a van today. Triver did nothing wrong, just a wrong place wrong time situation, he's already been in touch to see how he's doing.

"My boy is now finally home and very sore with a broken nose that will be checked by specialists in seven to 10 days. Basildon Hospital did an amazing job, checked and checked again. No internal injuries or broken bones (other than his nose) but he is going to be very bruised on his torso arm and face but nothing time won't heal.

"I don't know who scooped me up when my legs gave way and told me to be strong for him but thank you, it worked. He really needed me and I was no good being a heap on the floor.

Thank you to the staff at St Clere's who have already been in touch offering support

"I knew something was wrong, saw the crowd and I knew. So glad I was minutes away. He was so brave!! I'm so proud of him. My biggest baby, my best friend always, my hero and my biggest pain in the butt!"

She also paid special tribute to the driver of the van who she reitereated was free from blame, adding: "It was a 100% accident. Yes my son was the focus but the driver also has had a horrific experience.

"He stayed the whole time, he didn't see my son as a crowd crossed. My son tried to stay with the crowd who crossed but was at the back and got hit, he wasn't speeding. All us drivers know how scary school time can be. He honestly didn't do anything wrong. I wanted to highlight that as I don't want any bad comments towards him. He supported me, has a child of his own a similar age."