Three people have been left seriously injured after a double-decker bus crashed off a road and into a river.

Emergency services were called to Bishopstoke Road, Eastleigh, at 10.07am on Thursday after the Bluestar bus left the road.

A South Central Ambulance Service spokesman said two helicopters and five ambulances had been scrambled to the scene.

Three patients were taken to hospital and 14 treated at the scene with less serious injuries.

A spokesman said: “We have sent multiple units to the incident including five ambulances, two helicopters, and specialist response units.

“We’re continuing to support and assess patients on scene. All patients have been removed from the bus.

“Three high-priority patients are being taken to hospital. Around 14 with less serious injuries are being treated on scene.”

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “We are on scene of an RTC involving one double-decker bus that went off the road in Bishopstoke, Eastleigh.

It is understood the crash happened opposite the entrance to a Toby Carvery

“Fire crews from Eastleigh, St Mary’s, Redbridge, Hightown and Portchester are in attendance alongside emergency service colleagues.

“People are asked to avoid the area to help emergency services deal with this incident.”

It is understood the bus was carrying students from Barton Peveril Sixth Form College.

Hampshire Constabulary have said that everyone on the bus had been accounted for following the accident.

Issuing an update on Facebook, the college said an incident centre had been set up for parents and it was “working closely” with police.

“We are aware of an incident involving the College 607 Bus. College staff are working closely with the police to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

“We ask that people do not attend the actual scene. For concerned parents, an incident centre has been established at The Hub at Bishopstoke.

“An officer and college staff will be available at The Hub to provide updates and address any questions you may have.”

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesman said: “We are currently dealing with an incident on Bishopstoke Road in Eastleigh, after College Bus 607 for Barton Peveril students left the carriageway into a river.

“Emergency services are in attendance and the road has been closed so please avoid the area.

“It is anticipated the road may be closed for up to 12 hours for investigation and recovery work.

“Everyone on the bus has been accounted for and all injured persons are being treated by the ambulance service.”

Bluestar general manager, Richard Tyldsley, 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.

“We do not currently have full details of their injuries and are following their progress closely.

“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 inquiries.”