AROUND 15 people were injured when a bus crashed through railings and ploughed through more than 50 graves in a cemetery.

The incident happened when the single-decker bus hit a stationary vehicle in Saltwell Road South, Gateshead, at around 11am this morning.

Northumbria Police said none of the people on board the bus were thought to have serious injuries.

One onlooker estimated the bus had finally come to a stop - with a front wheel resting on a gravestone - about 50 yards into Saltwell Cemetery.

It is thought at least 50 gravestones were damaged in the crash, as the bus veered off the road and down a steep slope.

"The front of the bus is all smashed up," said the witness, who did not see the crash itself.

"There's loads of police here and council workers."

Earlier, Northumbria Police said: "Police received a report that a bus had hit a stationary vehicle before going through railings into a cemetery on Saltwell Road South.

"The bus had approximately 15 passengers on board who are receiving treatment by paramedics who are currently at the scene.

"At this stage, it's not believed anyone is seriously injured.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area while recovery of the vehicles is carried out."