HAMPSHIRE parents have branded a school bus "dangerous" after wheels "fell off" the vehicle on the way to pick up their children.

On Tuesday afternoon, April 20, a Xelabus vehicle on route to Swanmore College has two wheels "fall off the bus" according to concerned parents.

The parents have claimed that a wheel hub had "come off" the vehicle and two wheels had "fallen off". No children were on the bus at the time of the incident.

They also made claims that this is the second time in six months that an incident like this has happened.

Xelabus has confirmed that there was an "incident" on April 20 and has claimed that the bus was not in service or carrying any passengers.

One parent, who asked not to be identified, said that the Xelabus vehicles are "dangerous".

They added: "A Xelabus vehicle on route to pick up school children at Swanmore College had a wheel hub and both wheels came off the vehicle.

"Imagine the consequences if children had been on the vehicle or if the tyre that came off the vehicle had hit a pedestrian, children or another motor vehicle.

"Apparently this is not the first time they have had this sort of incident."

Another parent, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the Daily Echo: "[The] bus company has had a wheel fall off a school bus for a second time in six months.

"Such a serious incident."

Daniel Rayner, general manager at Xelabus, has said that they are taking the incident "extremely seriously" and are investigating.

He said: "We take such matters extremely seriously and are investigating this isolated incident to determine whether it was an internal issue or whether it is the result of some sort of malicious damage.

"Our vehicles are safe and in fact we have stringent policies and procedures in place to ensure our vehicles operate conpliantly and safely.

"In addition, our vehicles are inspected on a regular, four weekly basis which is well within the minimum legal requirement.

"I can also confirm that the bus was not in service and was not carrying any passengers during the time of the incident.

"We will continue to work with the authorities to establish the root cause.

"We do wish to reassure our passengers that safety is a first and highest priority within our business.”