A bus carrying pupils from two different primary schools in Merseyside has overturned on the M53.

Pupils from Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar School were on board the bus when it crashed on the north carriageway of the motorway near Junction 5.

Merseyside Police said they were called to the M53 shortly after 8am to reports that the bus had arrived at a reservation at the junction. Firefighters are helping to remove the passengers and driver from the scene.

Drivers have been urged to avoid the area with junctions three to five closed in both directions.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, Calday Grange Grammar School said: “We are aware of a situation involving one of our school buses on the motorway today.

“We are actively collecting details and assisting affected students and their families.”

Cheshire-based Labor councilor Sherin Akhtar tweeted: “I can confirm there has been an accident on the M53 this morning heading towards Wirral. This is a Carvers (W3) coach traveling to Calday Grange High School and West Kirby Girls’ High School. Once the facts are established, I will be able to inform you more.

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

The Telegraph has contacted police and North West Ambulance Service for comment.

This story is being updated.