Following the crash outside a Hartlepool school a spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: "A three vehicle collision has occured outside English Martyrs School, on Catcote Road, Hartlepool.

"The incident happened just after 3.30pm this afternoon.

"One of the vehicles involved is a mini-bus, another is a bus believed to be carrying about 30 children and the third vehicle is a Renault Megan Scenic.

"A major incident has been declared by the emergency services.

"Numerous ambulances have been called to the scene and Catcote Road nearby is being used as a holding base for casulaties.

"Air-ambulance are on route to the site and are using a nearby rugby club as a landing zone."