A coach driver and a 14-year-old girl have died in a road collision which happened as the vehicle was heading to schools in West Kirby.
The coach had more than 50 pupils on board and was en-route to West Kirby and Calday Grange Grammar Schools when it is reported to have hit a reservation near junction five of the M53 at around 8am this morning, ending up on its side.
Fire crews stabilised the coach at the scene and helped pupils on to another vehicle away from the scene.
Two children were taken to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
A further eight were taken to the Countess of Chester and Arrowe Park after being assessed at an emergency training centre in Wallasey.
Wirral Chief Superintendent Graeme Robson said: “Our thoughts and condolences are very much with their family and friends at this tragic time.
“Family liaison officers are providing specialist support to both families and we are working with the schools, Wirral Council and Cheshire West Council to ensure the necessary trauma support is in place for the children on the bus.”
Police revealed that other pupils were travelling in convoy on other coaches and witnessed the incident, and will be provided with support.
Simone White, Director of Children’s Services at Wirral Council, said: “I want to offer my sincerest condolences to everybody affected by this tragic incident today. Council staff are working closely with the schools and have been doing so since they were informed of the incident this morning.
“I’m sure that everybody will understand that at the moment our focus, and the focus of the schools, is on supporting the pupils, families and wider school community who will have all been affected by this incident.
“We will continue to work with other local areas and all those who were affected as we wish to provide support and assistance as needed to the families who have been involved.”
The M53 remains closed between junctions three and five while an investigation takes place.