Bluestar has confirmed that one of its drivers are among the 17 injured after a college bus crashed into the River Itchen near Eastleigh.

It was one of the bus operator's double deckers that went through the railings off Bishopstoke Road this morning, just before 10am.

Bluestar has confirmed that 19 passengers were on-board at the time, with other services confirming 17 injuries in total.

Three "high priority" patients have been taken to hospital, while the rest are being treated on the scene.

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Richard Tyldsley, Bluestar general manager, said: “One of our buses, carrying students to Barton Peveril College, was involved in an incident earlier this morning in Bishopstoke Road, Eastleigh. Reports suggest the bus left the highway and came to rest in a shallow river.

“There were 19 passengers on-board at the time. Our driver and at least two of the passengers have confirmed injuries, and we are awaiting further updates on the status of others on-board."

Mr Tyldsley confirmed that Bluestar do not have full details of the passengers' injuries, but that hey are following their progress closely.

He continued: “Our thoughts are with everybody involved, and we wish those who were injured a full and speedy recovery. 

“At this time, we do not know the circumstances behind this incident and are carrying out an immediate investigation.

"We are also assisting the police as they carry out their own enquiries.”