TWENTY people were injured yesterday morning when a bus driver braked sharply to avoid a young girl who had stepped into the road.

Passengers were thrown forwards when the driver of the First York bus made an emergency stop near Archbishop Holgate's School, in Hull Road, York.

Eight passengers, including six pupils, were taken to York Hospital. An ambulance spokesman said a man, believed to be in his late-40s, was treated for head injuries and another man suffered rib injuries.

The pupils were treated for cuts and bruises and discharged. The adults were expected to be discharged last night.

Twelve pupils, aged 12 to 15, also suffered cuts and bruises.

They were checked by paramedics in the school library before starting lessons.

Passenger Sue Doughty said: "A girl walked across the road. She could not see the bus because of traffic in the other lane.

"The bus driver slammed all-on to avoid her, and kids that had been standing on the bus ready to get off fell forward.

"They were thrown to the floor, piled two or three on top of each other.

"They were absolutely hysterical. They could not get up because bags were piled on top of them.

"One man hit his head on the windscreen and the windscreen smashed."

Traffic Constable Steve Earnshaw said: "The bus driver did extremely well to avoid this girl.

"This incident also serves to illustrate the point that people travelling on a bus should stay seated until the bus has stopped."

School assistant headteacher John Stone said the pedestrian was uninjured, but was shocked and recovering at home.

Witnesses have been asked to call police on (01904) 669884.