Driver arrest as 12 injured in 'horrendous' bus crash

TWELVE people have been injured with a woman fighting for her life in hospital after a single-decker bus crashed into a building off Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester city centre.

- PAUL BRITTON, NICOLE WOOTTON-CANE AND JAMES HOLT

A large emergency services presence remains at the scene on Parker Street, which runs adjacent to Piccadilly Gardens Bus Station, which has been closed completely. All buses serving the station and the area have been diverted.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that 12 people were injured with a woman in a life-threatening condition due to her injuries.

The driver, a 64-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

It's understood the bus involved, a blue-coloured Diamond service, ploughed into a the front of the T4 bubble tea shop near to City Tower.

The horror incident was reported at lunchtime the parade of shops and stores on Parker Street includes Lidl, Spar and Starbucks.

White tents have been put up by emergency services at the scene. It's understood firefighters are also working at the scene behind screens. Police and paramedics from North West Ambulance Service are also at the scene.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 1pm (yesterday), officers responded to reports of a road traffic collision involving a bus which collided with a shop in Piccadilly Gardens.