SEVERAL bus passengers, including schoolchildren, were left bleeding, with cuts to their faces and hands and covered in glass, after a Salisbury Reds bus crashed into an overhanging tree, smashing the front window.

It happened at about 4.15pm on Tuesday.

Adam Keen, general manager of Morebus, part of the same group as Salisbury Reds, said: “I can confirm an X3 bus hit over-hanging branches just south of Downton yesterday. The driver pulled over to avoid an emergency ambulance.

"Some of our passengers have since reported injuries, and I’d like to wish them a speedy recovery.

"The safety of those who travel with us is our highest priority, and we are conducting an investigation into the full circumstances of this event."

Mr Keen added: “Our vehicle was damaged, but an alternative bus was dispatched immediately, allowing those on-board to finish their journeys.”

The bus was carrying several pupils from The Burgate School who had attended afterschool clubs.

One Year 7 mother said: “My son wasn’t injured, but he appeared to be quite shaken up by the incident.

"It is worrying that this is the second time in a month that the window of a Salisbury Reds bus carrying Burgate School pupils has smashed.”