Girl, 15, killed in M53 school bus crash named

Jessica Baker, 15, died alongside driver Stephen Shrimpton died after a school bus crashed and overturned on Friday, Pablo Taylor reports

A teenage girl who died when a school bus overturned on the M53 has been named as 15-year-old Jessica Baker.

A major incident was declared following the incident between J4 and J5 near Hooton, on the Wirral, shortly after 8am on Friday.

The bus was carrying pupils from Calday Grange Grammar School and West Kirby Grammar School for Girls.

The driver, named as 40-year-old Stephen Shrimpton, also died.

Bus driver who died in M53 crash was 'loving husband and father'
Bus driver Stephen Shrimpton, 40, also died in the crash. Credit: Merseyside Police

Post mortems will be carried out next week to establish the causes of death.

The other casualties, who were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries, are all in stable conditions.

An investigation into this incident is ongoing and police are still appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage.

Police held a press conference on Friday to provide an update on the crash

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "The thoughts of everyone at Merseyside Police remain with those who were affected by the tragic incident yesterday.

"The families of Stephen and Jessica are being supported by specially trained officers and we are working with both schools and Wirral and Cheshire West Councils to ensure the necessary trauma support is in place for the children who were affected.

"We continue to investigate the circumstances of this incident and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident or have any information to please let us know."

Aerial footage shows the aftermath of the crash

He continued: "We also urge those who were driving near the incident to check your dashcam footage. Any information no matter how small could help the investigation.

"Motorists are also advised that the section of the M53 that was closed following the incident yesterday has now reopened."

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747 or SCIU@merseyside.police.uk or contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook quoting reference 23000944471.

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