Cheltenham Pupils Injured In France Crash

A coach carrying teenagers from Cheltenham has crashed in France, injuring 15 people, according to local police.

Two of the children have been seriously injured and airlifted to hospital, one is said to have life-threatening injuries.

A further 10 students and one staff member from the Cheltenham Bournside School suffered minor injuries, along with two drivers.

Some 50 people were on board the coach, most of them aged 14 to 17.

A school spokesman said: "We were deeply saddened to hear of a serious incident involving the coach taking our students to Dora Baltea earlier today.

"Our hearts go out to all those involved.

"The school has met with the parents of these two students, who are now on their way to France to be with their children."

The coach, operated by Caernarfon-based Express Motors, was heading to Italy for a week's camping trip when it tipped over onto its side on the A39 motorway near the Swiss border.

Two helicopters were sent to the scene, near Lons-le-Saunier.

The school added in the statement that the remaining students and staff were with police.

It said: "We are currently in the process of liaising with the Global Response Centre (Foreign and Commonwealth Office) and the trip organiser, with regard to how and when students will be returning to the UK.

"When we have any further information, it will be shared with parents concerned."

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are providing support to a group of British nationals following a coach crash in France.

"We are in contact with the relevant local authorities."