Police probe Exeter bus lamppost crash

POLICE and Stagecoach are investigating after a city teenager with Asperger's Syndrome was left shocked when the bus he was travelling on struck a lamppost.

Two windows on the top deck of the bus, where Bicton College student Reece Wreford, 16, was sitting, were smashed in the collision, with shattered glass scattered across the floor.

Police told the Echo they are now investigating the incident as a "possible failure to stop or driving without due car and attention".

Reece, who lives in Exeter and is on a foundation course at Bicton College, was travelling home on the Stagecoach 57C services when the accident happened near Budleigh Salterton.

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His father Alan Wreford said Reece had called him on his mobile phone after the accident.

Mr Wreford said: "I feel the whole thing was not handled properly.

"My son says the driver stopped the bus after hitting the lamp post and came upstairs to check the damage. He maintains the driver did not check the passengers and there was broken glass all over the upper deck, some still falling from the window frames.

"It seems the driver then returned to his cab and drove on to Exmouth, and there they switched buses.

"The same driver then drove the passengers in the replacement bus.

"I picked Reece up at Exeter, and he was very upset by it all.

"I have contacted the police and Stagecoach about the matter, and told them I am not happy. It should not have happened and should not have been handled the way it was."

Confirming the details, a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said: "We are investigating the complaint as a possible failure to stop after an accident and also possible driving without due care and attention."

A Stagecoach spokeswoman said: "The safety and comfort of our passengers is our absolute priority. I can confirm that Mr Wreford has been in contact with us regarding this incident and that we are carrying out an investigation."