ONLOOKERS thought 10-year-old Chelsea Whittey had been killed when she was hit by a single-decker bus and disappeared beneath the bumper.

But when she was pulled from underneath the vehicle, she had only suffered a few minor cuts and bruises and was allowed home after a hospital check-up.

Her mum Sharon, 29, said: ''I thought at first she was dead.''

Sharon told how she was at her father's home on Northway, Brinnington, Stockport, while Chelsea was outside getting some sweets when she heard the screeching of tyres.

Sharon, a cleaner, said: ''I ran out. She was right under the bus near the engine on her back. We were worried it would burn her.

Unconscious

''A woman pulled her out and she got her onto the side. She checked her airways were open and the ambulance and fire brigade were there within minutes. She was unconscious for a short while.''

The amazed mum put her daughter's amazing escape down to Chelsea only being four feet tall.

Chelsea slipped under the front grille of the Stagecoach bus rather than taking the full force of the impact.

She said: ''She slid under the bus. If she had been any taller, she would have been thrown over the road. The bus skidded over the top of her.''

Sharon, who has thanked the woman who dragged her daughter from under the bus, described her daughter as ''very tough'' and said she was interested in gymnastics.

Chelsea soon came round and was taken to hospital with just minor cuts and bruises to her hands, right leg, back and head.

She was allowed home hours later. Today, although still sore, she could remember nothing of her close call.

Chelsea said: ''I just went to get an Aero and then I fell asleep.''

Insp John Williams, of Hazel Grove traffic unit, said: ''She's extremely lucky. It's one of the most amazing escapes I have ever heard of.''

john.scheerhout@gmnews.co.uk

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