School bus full of children crashes into ditch after slipping on black ice as emergency services rush to the scene

Kent Fire and Rescue Service, who were also on the scene along with paramedics, said the bus was believed to have "slipped" off the road due to the icy conditions.

Three fire engines attended and crews worked to make the scene safe and assist with the disembarkation of passengers off the bus and into alternative transport.

There were no reported injuries.

Pictures show the double-decker bus head-first into a ditch off the side of the road.

The Fire and Rescue service said in a statement: "There are no reported injuries and the cause is believed to be the vehicle slipping on black ice.

"Crews are reminding everyone to use extra caution when driving in cold temperatures as there could be black ice on the roads, so avoid sudden braking and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front."

Traffic on the A28 Ashford Road, where the bus is said to have slipped, has returned to normal.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Officers attended and remain on scene to assist while passengers leave the bus and the vehicle is recovered.

"Paramedics attended as a precaution.

"There were no reported injuries."

The bus company, Stagecoach, have since confirmed that the incident is under review.

Joel Mitchell, managing director at Stagecoach South East, said: "Stagecoach can confirm that an incident occurred on January 7 on the A28 in Ashford involving one of our school buses.

"There are currently no reported injuries.

"Stagecoach is co-operating fully with the local authorities, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under review."

The UK has been hit with waves of ice and snow this week, creating dangerous driving conditions.

The East Midlands, Yorkshire, Wales and the West Midlands are set to face more heavy snow on Thursday and Friday, with the Met Office issuing an amber weather warning.

The South West have also received an amber alert, with gusts up to 90mph set to batter the coastline.

Black ice on roads and pavements has also affected these areas, causing problems for drivers and pedestrians after overnight rain and freezing temperatures.

And Britons have been left questioning the lack of grit on pavements and roads, despite "paying a fortune" on council tax, as they tried to get to work in the icy conditions that saw buses and lorries crash.

Nine schoolchildren and eight adults were injured in a separate crash between a bus and a coach at around 8.25am on Wednesday morning.

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