An A-road was closed for more than four hours as emergency services tackled a double-decker bus fire.

It happened on the A256 Eastry Bypass near the Felderland Lane junction just before 9am.

Emergency services were called to the scene and traffic was queuing back to Lower Street, diverting through Eastry.

A witness said he heard what sounded like an “explosion”, believing it was a tyre bursting.

Four fire engines attended, and the blaze was extinguished by 10.20am.

The fire service warned drivers to avoid the area and find alternative routes, but the road reopened at about 1.20pm.

The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and linked to an engine fault.

A spokesman for bus operator Stagecoach said: "We can confirm the bus involved was travelling out of service on the Eastry bypass with no passengers on board.

“Our driver pulled off the carriageway immediately and exited the bus safely.

“There are no reports of anyone harmed or injured.

"Safety is our absolute priority and we are assisting the investigation into the cause of this incident."

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