Peter Prior-Sankey, director of coach operator Ridlers, told PA: “We were made aware of an incident involving one of our 70-seater vehicles at about 3.15pm this afternoon, understood to have taken place as a group of school pupils were returning from a daytrip.

“We have since been liaising with both the school, and the emergency services, while we try to understand the extent of the incident.

“Everyone within the Ridlers team is of course deeply concerned and anxious to find out more detail – particularly concerning the welfare of the driver and passengers.

“While we wait for further information from police and other emergency teams, our hearts of course go out to the school pupils and to our driver.

“We will be doing everything possible to understand what has happened.”