A BUS driver has been suspended after an elderly woman fell while on board his bus in Bournemouth.

The 86-year-old woman from Lytchett Matravers was taken to Poole Hospital with a suspected fractured hip following the incident on Saturday.

She was travelling on an M2 Wilts and Dorset bus in Poole Road, Bournemouth around 3.45pm.

The bus was en route to Poole at the time and no other vehicles were believed to have been involved.

The pensioner was taken to Poole Hospital but was expected to be released soon. Witnesses said they thought she was seated at the time the bus moved off.

Ian Shutler, operations manager for Wilts and Dorset, said that CCTV footage confirmed the woman was almost in her seat when the bus pulled away. He added: “Our driver, who must have thought the woman was fully seated, is currently suspended while we complete our investigation.

“Witnesses were also under the impression that she was seated, but the CCTV has shown she was a second or two away from being fully seated.

“We wish to apologise to our customer and wish her a very quick recovery.”

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101.