BUS passengers were left shocked and shaken today after their vehicle was in collision with a van in York city centre.

Police are hunting the driver of the van, who failed to stop at the scene after the accident in Blossom Street at about 9am.

The bus, operated by First, was travelling from Huntington towards York College when the collision occurred.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said some people had been thrown from their seats, but it appeared there had been no serious injuries.

York College student Natalie Pirrie, 16, who was on the bus, said she suffered a bruised arm in the collision. She said: "It was a bit strange, a bit surreal as it is a bus and you don't expect it to crash like that."

A First spokesman said the company was aware of the incident.

The driver told them that passengers had been offered medical attention, but all refused.

Officers are trying to trace the van, which was white, and have appealed for witnesses. York police can be contacted on 01904 631321.

Updated: 13:42 Thursday, November 07, 2002