Coventry bus crash victims named as Dora Hancox and Rowan Fitzgerald, 7

A pensioner and young boy who died when a bus crashed into a supermarket have been named by police.

Dora Hancox, aged in her 70s, of Nuneaton, and Rowan Fitzgerald, seven, were killed when a double-decker struck the side of a Sainsbury's supermarket in Coventry.

West Midlands Police said the 77-year-old bus driver has not been arrested but "continues to help investigators".

Rowan, who attended St Anthony's Catholic Primary School in Leamington Spa, was travelling on the upper deck of the bus.

His cousin, an eight-year-old girl, was also injured and remains in a stable condition in hospital. The children were travelling with their grandparents.

Five other people required hospital treatment.

Inspector Paul Bennett, from the West Midlands Police collision investigation unit, said: "The families of Rowan and Dora have suffered a devastating loss.

"Like people the length and breadth of Britain, we extend our deepest sympathies to them during this time.

"As they struggle to come to terms with their loss, they have chosen at this time not to release any images of their loved ones or to provide any words of tribute.

"They have also asked for the media to respect their privacy as they grieve."

Stagecoach Midlands has declined to comment on the age of the bus driver, who suffered minor injuries.

It is believed the bus, operating a service between Coventry and Leamington, collided with a number of stationary cars, mounted a pavement and struck a lamppost before crashing on Trinity Street.

A spokesman for Stagecoach Midlands said: "Our hearts go out to the families of those who have lost their loved ones. Our thoughts also remain with all those affected by this tragic incident.

"No driver we employ is allowed behind the wheel of our buses without us being satisfied that they are fully qualified, safe and meet all necessary legal requirements.

"In this case, our driver has many years' experience and has also passed a mandatory annual medical.

"Both our driver and our company are co-operating fully in helping police determine the full circumstances involved.

"Police have not yet completed their investigation and it is inappropriate to speculate in advance of their inquiries being concluded."

Officers believe hundreds of people may have witnessed the crash and its aftermath and thanked those who have already come forward with information.

Mr Bennett said: "This was a major crash and we know that there were people in the area at the time who are still yet to speak to our officers.

"I would ask those people to come forward now. They may not realise it but they may have a vital piece of information which nobody else holds.

"This - along with the trawl of CCTV footage and tests at the scene - could make all the difference to this ongoing investigation."