Pupils are said to be lucky to be alive after the roof of a double-decker bus they were travelling in was ripped off.

The bus was carrying students from St John’s school in Epping on a school trip to Thorpe Park in Surrey when it attempted to pass under the bridge in Chertsey Lane, Staines, at around 10am this morning.

The roof of the bus was completely torn off, and windows were smashed along the length of the upper deck, showering pupils in glass.

Of the 69 passengers, one patient with suspected back injuries and 10 others with minor injuries were taken to hospital.

Val Mitchell, receptionist at the Staines and Thameside Medical Centre in Chertsey Lane, said two doctors and a nurse ran outside to treat the injured pupils.

She said: “They are obviously shocked and there is a lot of shattered glass everywhere but thankfully there were no serious injuries or fatalities, which could have been the case.

“I understand two of the girls were actually standing up and had to duck and managed to escape, as the whole of the bus roof was ripped off.

“There is a warning sign above the bridge, I do not know how the driver missed that but I am sure the police will look into that.”

A statement posted on the St John’s website says: “I have just been informed that the double decker coach transporting our students on the Gold Trip to Thorpe Park has been involved in an accident.

“We have spoken to a number of staff and we are able to confirm that there are no serious injuries although some students may have suffered some cuts and bruises.”