POLICE are still investigating the circumstances of an accident involving an Audi and a double-decker bus at Sandbanks.

The bus driver was hospitalised with facial injuries and several passengers treated at the scene following the incident, which saw the bus collide with a wall on Banks Road, at the junction with Salter Road, at around 12.30pm on Friday.

Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward following the collision, which also involved a silver Audi Q5.

Bus driver Robbie Bartle, a well-liked character and winner of accolades for his friendly service, returned to work on Sunday, according to morebus manager Alex Chutter.

He said: “He is a popular driver among staff and customers alike, so everybody was happy to see him back at work and feeling better.”

Robbie was praised by passengers on board, who also thanked neighbours for their help after the collision.

David Routledge from Stoke-on-Trent was aboard with his wife at the time of the accident.

He told the Echo: “Let there be no doubt in your readers’ minds, the bus driver behaved in a most professional manner, his first thoughts were for his passengers.”

He also thanked the “wonderful residents who lived close to the accident,” adding: “One lady rushed out with a number of foldaway chairs in order for those not too well to sit on, then went back and returned with her best glassware and distributed drinks of water.

“Another young couple arrived bearing a tray of mugs of hot tea and even offered to take people to their flat if they needed help.”

No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, but officers are continuing their investigation.

Any witnesses to the crash should call Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 29:202.