One person died and three others were seriously injured after a coach plunged down an embankment on the M40 this afternoon, writes John Chipperfield.

Early reports suggested the driver was among the worst injured and passengers had been trapped in the coach. A further 12 people were taken to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital with less serious injuries.

The Oxford-bound coach was involved in a collision with two other vehicles near Lewknor.

Police closed the motorway in both directions as emergency services arrived at the scene.

The coach belonged to the Oxford Bus Company and was on the X70 route from Terminal 4 of Heathrow Airport. It left the airport at 11.10am and was due to arrive in Gloucester Green, Oxford, at 12.40pm.

Bus company marketing manager Jonathan Radley said the coach was in collision with a recovery truck, which had been called after a lorry broke down.

Police said the collision happened on the hard shoulder of the northbound carriageway. A spokesman confirmed that three vehicles were involved in the crash between the Lewknor and Great Milton junctions.

The motorway was expected to be closed for most of the afternoon and drivers were being urged to find alternative routes.

Drivers were diverted off the motorway and lengthy queues built up.

Mr Radley said the coach, which had been in use since 1995 and had seatbelts fitted throughout, had recently undergone a routine service.