THE sight of blood pouring from an old woman has led a passenger to call for first aid kits on every bus.

Lesley McGarrigle saw the woman fall and gash her leg on Saturday as she got off a number 82A Arriva bus in Halton Road, Runcorn.

"Her leg just went from underneath her," said Mrs McGarrigle, from Halton Lodge.

"She had a four- or five-inch gash and blood was pouring out. She was in shock and had to steady herself on the railing."

Mrs McGarrigle, aged 50, couldn't stop the blood loss with a handful of tissues and says she ended up covered in blood as well.

She added: "There didn't seem to be a first aid kit on board at all. I was pretty disgusted to be honest.

"I would have thought all transport, whether it's buses or trains, should have a first aid kit on board.

"I've done first aid and it's a good job because I would have panicked otherwise."

Derek Bowes, the commercial manager of Arriva North West and Wales, said: "At Arriva we ask drivers to call for emergency service support wherever necessary and do not routinely carry first aid kits on our buses because not all drivers are suitable qualified to administer first aid.

"Our driver called for an ambulance and we understand the lady was taken to hospital as a result.

"The lady involved thanked our driver for his assistance at the time of the incident - and has not raised any concerns with us since."