Schoolgirl, 14, fighting for life after van ploughs into her and man, 71, in busy town centre with driver arrested

A SCHOOLGIRL is fighting for her life and one man has been arrested after a van ploughed into two shoppers in a busy town centre.

Cops are urgently appealing for information after the horror crash on Castle Street in Caerphilly, Wales, at around 3pm on Tuesday.

A 14-year-old girl and a man, 71, were both rushed to hospital where they remain in a critical condition, said Gwent Police.

The force confirmed that a man, 24, from Cardiff has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and driving while under the influence of drugs.

He remains in police custody as the investigation continues.

Sergeant Lewys Davies, the senior investigating officer, urged the public to refrain from speculating about the crash on social media.

He said: “We’re carrying out a thorough investigation into this collision and ask that members of the community do not speculate about the circumstances on social media as this might hinder our enquiries.

“You will see an increased police activity in this area over the coming days while our investigation continues.

"Please stop and talk to us if you have any concerns or relevant information.”

Motorists with dashcam footage are encouraged to get in touch via the police website, by calling 101, or by messaging the police on social media, quoting log reference 2400385445.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Gwent Police officers scrambled to the scene alongside paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service while the Welsh Air Ambulance was also deployed.

Eyewitnesses said emergency services remained at the scene last night and the area was closed to traffic.

A video taken at the scene shows at least six police vehicles in attendance shortly after 3pm as well as a number of other emergency vehicles.

The air ambulance landed on the grass verge next to the scene near Caerphilly Castle.

A spokesperson for the Welsh Ambulance Service previously confirmed two people were taken to hospital.

The statement read: "We were called shortly after 3pm today to a road traffic accident near Castle Park in Caerphilly.

“We sent two emergency ambulances to the scene, where crews were supported by an advanced paramedic practitioner, a Cymru High Acuity Response Unit paramedic and an operations manager.

“Advanced critical care support was delivered by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service in a Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopter.

"Two patients were taken to hospital for further treatment.”