Concrete block hurled at school bus of children

The bus was carrying children from Tor Bridge High in Plymouth

A concrete block was hurled through the window of a school bus carrying children.

One of two female police officers called to the attack outside Widewell Primary, Plymouth, was then punched and choked by a man at the scene.

She is being treated for serious facial injuries. None of the children, or the other officer, were hurt.

A man, 54, has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and criminal damage.

The bus was carrying children from Tor Bridge High in Plymouth to the other school in Lulworth Drive.

Police said there appeared to be "no apparent link" to the school or obvious motive

"The officers unfortunately were subject to quite a nasty assault - in fact, quite an extreme assault - by a male," Supt Rob Mooney from Devon and Cornwall Police told the BBC.

"[One officer] was punched numerous times to the head and face and also grabbed by the throat and some pressure was placed on her throat, and her colleague luckily was able to subdue the male and restrain him."

The officer has since been discharged from hospital.

Insp Rob Byers said there appeared to be no link to the school or obvious motive.

"I have to pay testament to the exceptional behaviour of both officers who [conducted] themselves fantastically this morning by putting themselves in harm's way to apprehend the suspect and protect the public," Insp Byers said.

A rock was also thrown through the back window of a Vauxhall Corsa on the same street.

The incident happened outside Widewell Primary School

"It was traumatic for students who witnessed the event," said Tor Bridge High School head teacher Graham Roser.

"Very fortunately there were no students sat near where the concrete block was thrown through the window, so none of them sustained any physical injuries."

Mr Roser described the bus driver, who went straight back to work, as "a legend".

"The bus driver's first action was to ensure the students' safety, getting those that were downstairs to the top deck.

"He then got off the bus to go and challenge the person who had thrown the block.

"His first thought was for the students and we want to say thank you to him."

A rock was also thrown through the back window of a Vauxhall Corsa