A double-decker bus has had its roof ripped off after hitting a bridge in Britain, injuring many passengers.

Twenty-five people are believed to have been on board and some have received "serious facial injuries".

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said they were called to the scene on Milkstone Road, Rochdale, at 12.27pm.

Fire and ambulance crews were also called to the scene.

GMP Traffic tweeted that 17 people had been injured, including one with a broken jaw.

Image via @gmptraffic on Twitter

It said: "UPDATE re Rochdale RTC. 17 injured, 1 seriously with a broken jaw. Bridge checked, Trains running normally".

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said that a man and woman have sustained "serious facial injuries".

Teresa Broxton, managing director of First Manchester, said: "At this time our primary focus is to assist customers and staff involved. Staff from First in Manchester are providing support to the emergency services at the scene".

"We will provide whatever additional resources we can".

A spokesman for First dismissed reports that it had been the driver's first day on the job.