A double-decker bus has overturned in the South Hams leaving 37 passengers hurt and eight seriously injured.

The Stagecoach South West bus rolled off the road and crashed into a field on the A385 between Totnes and Paignton.

It happened near Loncombe Cross at about 11am on Saturday, October 5.

All of the passengers have been freed by the emergency services, who declared a major incident and closed the road.

Police say that the casualties have been taken to hospitals in Bristol, Exeter, Torbay, Derriford, and Newton Abbot for treatment.

Emergency services said that the passengers were a mix of ages, from those in their teens to their early 70s.

Uninjured passengers have been taken to Paignton bus station for support and help to continue their journeys.

Officers said the driver of the bus has not been arrested and is helping police with their investigation.

The road will remain closed in both directions for several hours for "investigation and recovery".

A spokesperson for Stagecoach South West said the company was helping emergency services and its thoughts were with the victims of the crash.

"Safety is our absolute priority and we will be assisting the investigation into the circumstances involved in the incident," they added.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "Following the incident near Loncombe Cross at around 11am, 37 people sustained injuries, of which eight people are described as having serious injuries.

"Those injured have been conveyed to Bristol, Exeter, Torbay, Derriford, and Newton Abbot for treatment and ongoing assessment by medical professionals.

"All who were sent to Newton Abbot Hospital have since been discharged.

"In addition, 10 further people were assessed and supported at Paignton library by police and medical professionals but did not require any further medical treatment.

"All casualties have left the location however the road will remain closed for foreseeable future as investigative work continues at the scene.

“The scene is now in the hands of the police, and officers from the serious collisions investigation unit continue with their inquiries.

"We can confirm that the driver of the bus has not been arrested, but he is helping police with our investigations into this incident.

“On top of this, the vehicle will need to be righted and recovered which will be challenging, therefore a cordon plus closures around the scene will remain in place possibly until Sunday morning.

“There are a number of localised closures that still remain in place.

“The incident has seen emergency services and health partners come together to respond to this serious collision.

"This was a major multi-agency effort to support those involved and has understandably added to existing pressure on the health services.

“Therefore we are not only appealing to the public to both avoid the area but also ask that people also avoid attending accident and emergency units unless it is an actual emergency, to help alleviate some of the pressure.

"If you need advice over a non-urgent injury please call 111, always call 999 in an emergency."