Bus crash scene in Durham, from where two children were rushed to hospital
The scene of the crash in Stanley, County Durham

A 12-year-old boy suffered severe facial injuries when two school buses collided head-on in a heavy crash, this morning.

Many children have been hurt in the collision, with "multiple injuries" reported by the emergency services from the scene of the crash, on the A693 at the junction with Shield Row Lane.

The two school buses had around 50 children on board when the crash happened in Stanley, County Durham, at around 8.25am.

The pupils involved were from Tanfield Comprehensive and St's Bede's School. All are aged between 11 and 18 years old.

Thirteen ambulances rushed to the scene, along with a helicopter ambulance. A 12-year-old was airlifted to hospital by the Great North Air Ambulance Service with serious facial injures.

A second child was taken to hospital for treatment.

An air ambulance spokesman said: "The doctor-led trauma team triaged the injured persons and a 12-year-old child was flown to the Royal Victoria Infirmary with serious facial injuries."

Durham police Superintendent Colin Williamson, said: "We are currently working closely with other agencies to respond to this incident.

"The safety of those injured in the collision is our primary concern along with supporting their families.

"There will be some disruption on the roads in this area for some time and I would ask the local community to be patient while we deal with this incident."