An investigation has been launched after a coach taking children to school veered off a road and into a field, leaving some pupils hurt.

A bus service operated by Barry’s Coaches heading to schools in Puddletown left the road and ended up in a field near Dewlish sometime around 8.30am on Friday.

It was reported that the bus left the road due to an oil spill.

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Police and paramedics were not alerted to the scene – but some of the children ended up being taken to hospital later by their parents. Dorset Police was informed of the incident some two hours later.

Dorset County Council's schools emergency plan was actioned in response to the incident at 12.15pm on Friday.

It is not believed that any children were seriously injured.

After receiving a report from the bus driver, Dorset County Council has launched an investigation into what happened. A spokesman for the council said the investigation is expected to last a couple of weeks.