EIGHTEEN people have been injured after two buses crashed on Weymouth Esplanade.

Police officers were called shortly after 10.30 this morning to reports of a collision between two single-decker buses, registered to First Buses.

Dorset police said five have been taken to Dorset County Hospital to be treated with face and neck injuries, although no conditions are believed to be life-threatening.

Another seven people were taken by bus to be treated at Weymouth minor injuries unit.

A further six people were treated at the scene for minor injuries but declined further medical treatment.

Eyewitness Peter Page, from Bridport said: “The bus has been driving along and I thought he was going to stop, and then all of a sudden it shunted into the back of the bus in front which was stationary.

“I heard an almighty crunch, then it just went silent for about two minutes, I think everybody was in shock.”

The incident happened at the main King's Statue bus stops near Tom & Erin's gift shop and Coral bookmakers.

A spokesman for the South Western Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 10.35am to an impact with two buses on the Esplanade with a potential ten casualties.

"We sent a Paramedic Officer, a Rapid Response Car and two ambulances.

"On arrival, it quickly became clear that the impact speed was low and that most of the injuries would be minor.

"Once the uninjured passengers were asked to leave the vehicles, we could then concentrate on the 18 still remaining.

Several police cars and two fire engines also attended the scene.

Simon Newport, General Manager of First Dorset, said: "Our thoughts are with those that were injured as a result of the incident."

“We have launched a full investigation to establish exactly what happened, and we are working closely with the emergency services."

Following the incident First Dorset immediately sent representatives to the scene to assist the emergency services.

Police are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Police Constable Angus Wilson, of Dorset Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Team, said: “I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident but has not yet spoken to officers to please contact Dorset Police."

The road remained closed for two hours while officers investigated, causing a temporary disruption to bus services.

The road was reopened shortly after 1pm.

Anyone with information contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 30:147. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org.