'Praying for the children': Rush hour horror as school bus carrying pupils flips over, sparking huge rescue operation as police and ambulance rush to the scene

A school bus has overturned in a serious crash on the M53 with fears children could have been hurt in the collision. 

Witnesses say children were escaping from the back window and are standing on the hard shoulder as a huge emergency response is underway in the Merseyside area.

Merseyside Police has tweeted: 'Emergency services are dealing with an RTC along the M53 junction 5 northbound. Please avoid this area and find an alternative route.'

Calday Grammar School in the Wirral said they are aware of a situation involving one of their school buses on the motorway earlier today.

In a tweet the school wrote: 'We're actively gathering details and assisting affected students and their families.

'If you need to talk or seek guidance, please reach out to our teaching and pastoral teams.'

At least 10 police vehicles, four fire engines and five ambulances are said to be at the scene this morning. 

A witness who tweeted a photo showing a bus lying on its side wrote: 'Crash on the M53 towards Liverpool just after J5. Coach on the side with school kids escaping for the back window.

'Hope all the kids got out ok.'

Another said: 'Drove past that was awful to see all the kids standing on the hard shoulder.'

'Praying for them kids on the M53,' another added.  

MailOnline has contacted Merseyside Police and the North West Ambulance Service for comment.  

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