Children who were on board a bus which had its roof ripped off when it hit a bridge have been re-united with their families.  

A total of 11 pupils from St John's School in Epping were hospitalised on Friday (March 27) after the crash in Chertsey Lane, Staines. 

The bus was carrying 73 pupils and seven staff from the Epping school when the incident happened.

Headteacher of St John's, George Yerosimou, said his thoughts were with the pupils who may be "physically or emotionally distressed" following Friday's lucky escape. 

He said: "Our students have now returned from the trip and have been reunited with their families. 

"Thank you for all your messages of support. 

"I have written to all the families of children on the trip to offer my thoughts to them following this distressing accident.

"I would just like to add the comments made by Chief Superintendent Chris Moon from the Surrey Constabulary who telephoned me to congratulate all our students and their staff for their calm and mature behaviour in the face of these difficult circumstances. 

"Chief Superintendent Moon said that they were a credit to Epping St. John's School.

"My thoughts and the thoughts of the Epping St. John's community are with all our students and staff who were involved in the incident and particularly those who may be physically injured or emotionally distressed as a result."

One pupil sustained neck injuries and others were treated for shock, and cuts and bruises.