A BUS has had its roof ripped off after crashing into a railway bridge.

As a result, trains between Brockenhurst and Bournemouth are facing significant delays

South West Trains says services through the area may be cancelled, delayed or revised.

Disruption is expected until lunchtime and the company advised railway users to press a help point on the station platform to seek advice.

A statement said: "A road vehicle has struck a bridge between Christchurch and Pokesdown.

"The London Bound line has reopened and trains will have to run at a reduced speed of up to 20 mph.

"The Country bound line will remain closed until a further inspection is currently taken place.

"We are sorry for the disruption to your journey."

The incident happened as the bus tried to go under the bridge at the junction of Clingan Road and Cranleigh Road, outside Stourfield School in Bournemouth.

Police were called at 8.23am and the road is closed on both sides of the bridge.

Passengers, thought to be foreign language students, are being looked after at the school

Two thirteen year old girls were injured, one with a possible fractured finger and the second with head injuries.  

Emergency services are currently on the scene.