David Richardson, director of Richardson's, which owns the coach carrying the children, said: "Everyone at Richardson's is shocked and absolutely devastated following the accident that took place outside English Martyr's School in Hartlepool today.
"All our thoughts at this time are with the children who have been injured and their families.
"We are very grateful for the support of the police and fire services who did a thoroughly professional job at the scene as did the staff from the school."
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