The bus near Royal Preston Hospital on Thursday afternoon Pic: Stevie Whalley

A Fulwood road had to be closed on Thursday afternoon due to fire on a bus.

The vehicle, understood to be heavily damaged, has seen smoke spread across Sharoe Green Lane near Royal Preston Hospital.

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Eyewitnesses said the number 19 service had caught fire. All passengers are understood to be off the bus.

Preston Bus said it has delays on the 19a, 23, 88a and 88c services, but these are now easing as the road was opened again shortly after 4pm. Temporary traffic controls are in place until the vehicle can be moved.

A spokesman for Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Three fire engines from Preston and Fulwood attended.

“The engine compartment was on fire and crews used one hose reel to pout out the fire.

“Firefighters then passed the bus over to engineers. There were no reports of injuries.”

A spokesman for Preston Bus said: “Following a mechanical incident involving a Preston Bus vehicle on service 19A on Thursday afternoon, we can confirm that all passengers and the driver were evacuated from the bus safely. We are currently working to investigate the source of this fire.”