Three children fall from window of bus in Ashton

Three children have suffered 'potentially serious' injuries after falling from the window on the top deck of a bus as it made an emergency stop.

Emergency services were called out just before 4pm following the incident on Bolton Road in Ashton-in-Makerfield on Wednesday afternoon.

Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, but have been described as 'potentially serious' by Greater Manchester Police.

Police believe the three boys were leaning on an emergency exit window when the bus made an emergency stop as it travelled down Bolton Road.

The three boys, two aged 13 and one aged 14, were pupils at the nearby St Edmunds Catholic High School. Headteacher Mark Dumican said the boys were being "assessed in hospital".

In a letter to parents, Mr Dumican added: "You may have seen reports in the media and social media about an incident where three boys fell through a window on the top deck of a bus on the way home from school on Bolton Road yesterday. The pupils attend our school, and we are in contact with the families to offer our support.

"We are working with the police and with Vision Bus Company to determine the circumstances that led to this incident. Could all parents please reinforce our message in school that pupils must sit in a seat for their journey if they choose to use the top deck of a bus."

Inspector Simon Barrie, from Greater Manchester Police's Wigan District, said: “This is a serious incident that will cause disruption, our priority is to make sure the children get the treatment they need in hospital. Thankfully we don’t believe their injuries are life-threatening."

“This does appear to be an unfortunate accident at this time but we will be making enquiries as to the circumstances and liaising with partners."

"The investigation is in its early stages and work is underway to determine the full circumstances of this incident" 

Bolton Road was closed following the incident.