Coventry bus crash: Two dead as double decker bus crashes into Sainsbury's

The scene where a bus crashed into a Sainsbury's supermarket in Coventry (PA)

Two people died and five others injured when a double-decker bus ploughed into a Sainsbury's supermarket this evening.

An eight-year-old boy from Leamington, who was travelling on the top of the bus, died at the scene as a result of his injuries. A woman from Nuneaton, believed to be in her 70s, who was a pedestrian in Trinity Street, also died at the scene. Specialist officers are supporting the families at this time, West Midlands Police said.

A 9 year-old girl also travelling on the top deck of the Coventry bus is seriously ill in hospital.

The bus hit a number of cars and a lamppost before smashing into the side of the supermarket in Trinity Street at around 6pm.

A video posted on Twitter shows the bus with its windows smashed as people scream and try to help people who are trapped inside.

It shows a woman screaming: "Oh my God, there is a kid pushing through the seat," as local people went to the aid of those in the bus.

West Midlands Police said: "A number of people were trapped on the top of the double decker; three people are seriously injured and five other people have more minor injuries.

"West Midlands Police is working with fellow emergency services including fire and ambulance."

The scene where a double decker bus has crashed into a Sainsbury's supermarket on Trinity Street in Coventry (PA)

An air ambulance, paramedics, five ambulances and the Hazardous Area Response Team were all on the scene.

Sainsbury's was open at the time, but it is unclear if anyone inside the store was hurt.

A Sainsbury's spokeswoman said: "I can confirm that earlier this evening a bus mounted the pavement in Trinity Place, stopping when it made contact with the store.

"We can confirm that we have no colleagues injured. We are working on the ground with the emergency services."

The spokeswoman confirmed the store was open at the time of the crash but was unable to say whether any customers had been injured.

Police have launched an investigation into what caused the crash and road closures remain in place around the area.

Anyone with information, or anyone who may be concerned about relatives, should contact police on 101.