The driver of the bus was trapped by his injuries and had to be freed using specialist equipment before he was taken to hospital.

Of those that were injured in the crash, five people were taken to hospital - including two adults and three children.

The collision happened at about 8.20am this morning on Selwyn Avenue in Chingford.

Ambulance crews, paramedics, a Hazardous Area Response Team and an air ambulance trauma team were sent to the scene to treat the "walking wounded".

A number of road closures are in place around the junction of Selwyn Avenue and Winchester Road.

Station Commander Dave Hill of the London Fire Brigade said: "Crews made the scene safe and have carried out a systematic search of the building to ensure there are no other casualties trapped.

"There are local road closures in place around the junction of Selwyn Avenue and Winchester Road and we would ask people to avoid the area where possible."

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said "inquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing".

The force added: "At approximately 8.20am on Tuesday 25 January, police were called to reports of a bus in collision with a shop in Selwyn Avenue, E4.

"Officers and London Ambulance Service are on scene."

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said his thoughts were with those affected by the "terrible" incident.

He tweeted: "I've received reports this morning of a bus crashing into a building in Highams Park in Waltham Forest. Emergency services are currently on the scene - we will share more information as soon as we have it.

"My thoughts are with everyone affected by this terrible incident."

Conservative MP for Chingford & Woodford Green Iain Duncan Smith added: "Thank you to the first responders and emergency teams at the scene. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. A number of people have reported suffering injuries and are being treated at the scene."