Crisp pupils, 9, ordered off bus

Demi Waters was dropped off a mile from her house

A bus company is investigating claims two nine-year-old pupils were forced to walk home after being ordered off a school bus for eating crisps.

The youngsters from St Joseph's Primary School in Swansea were left alone by the side of the road a mile from home.

Gemini Travel which runs the service says it is looking at the claims.

The school and city council said they were "very concerned" about the "extremely worrying and distressing incident" for the children.

Demi Waters and Thomas Beaujean were being driven to their homes in Morriston when they say they were told they had to get off the bus because they were eating crisps.

It is understood the company, which employs a chaperone on the school run, has a no-eating policy on its buses.

It says it is investigating the incident and could not say anything more at present.

Demi's mother Nicola said: "It's the bus company I am really unhappy with - the school has been very good about it.

He was just left there Thomas's mother Nicola

"She is only nine and the chaperone is on the bus to help them and make sure they get off at the right stop - not to throw them off.

"I think it is disgusting and the reason we have complained is we don't want it happening to any other children."

Thomas's mother, also called Nicola, added: "The bus guide went over and told him to stop eating - he finished off the bag of crisps and she told him he would have to get off the bus.

"It's unbelievable, I was really annoyed - they could have just confiscated what they had."

Both the council and school are looking for answers.

A spokesman said: "Swansea Council and St Joseph's School are very concerned about what seems to have happened.

"The council and school are looking very carefully at what appears to be an extremely worrying and distressing incident for the children and parents involved.

"According to school rules any concerns relating to pupil behaviour would normally be reported to the school the following day and appropriate action taken."

He added after the school was informed of the incident by a parent, a teacher immediately left to make contact with the children and parents concerned.

"Others at the school telephoned home to ensure that the children were safe," he added.

"The contract bus company has been informed and we are awaiting their comments relating to this issue."