Bus carrying children in chemical burn incident

The ambulance service said 61 children were assessed

A critical incident was declared by emergency services after reports of chemical burn injuries on a bus carrying schoolchildren.

Bedfordshire Police said school children from Milton Keynes had received burn injuries after a suspected leak from part of the vehicle.

East of England Ambulance Service said it was called to reports of multiple chemical burn injuries on a bus at 14:39 BST on the A5 Watling Street, in Heath and Reach, Bedfordshire.

The service added that 61 children were assessed, two patients were sent to Milton Keynes General Hospital and two more were discharged at the scene.

The incident was attended by Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, the Hazardous Area Response Team, three ambulances and four ambulance officer vehicles.

Bedfordshire Police said the Flying Fox roundabout was closed while emergency services were on the scene and the incident had been referred to the Health and Safety Executive for investigation.

Motorists have been advised to take alternative routes.

East of England Ambulance Service had declared a critical incident but had stood it down and left the scene at 16:30.