Footage shows boy struck by bus

Police have released CCTV footage of a 14-year-old boy being struck by a bus outside a school in southern Scotland.

Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary want to make other pupils aware of the dangers passing traffic can pose.

The video shows the student coming out of Dumfries Academy and leaping over a safety barrier before getting struck by a bus, breaking his nose and shoulder.

The incident took place on Academy Street in Dumfries at the end of the last school term.

In the CCTV footage Rhease Denver, of Dumfries, is seen jumping over the barrier where his foot gets caught.

Police say this may have saved his life as if he had cleared the barrier he might have landed directly in front of the bus.

Instead, he was knocked sideways and landed between the side of the bus and the pavement.

The rear wheels of the bus then narrowly missed him.

Police say the pupil has now realised the "stupidity" of his actions.

Dumfries Academy's school liaison officer, Pc Sam Ewart, said it highlighted a long-running problem in the area.

Strong message

He added: "For many years now there have been issues around the safety of pupils as they exit the school onto Academy Street.

"The barriers were erected to put a physical barrier in between the pavement and passing traffic.

"The barrier is clearly there for a reason, and not to be treated as a plaything for the pupils."

He said that the teenager hoped other students could learn from what happened to him.

"When I saw the CCTV footage I could hardly believe how lucky this pupil was," said Pc Ewart.

"He hopes that by the use of the footage, it may send out a strong message to other pupils about the dangers that traffic poses."

The acting rector at Dumfries Academy said a road safety message would be emphasised once again at the school, especially to new pupils.

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