FIREFIGHTERS battled a blaze by the side of the road this evening after a bus burst into flames in Stokenchurch.

Onlookers say the single-decker vehicle, believed to be the Arriva number 40, started billowing thick plumes of smoke as the rear caught fire on the A40 Wycombe Road.

Witnesses also told the BFP they believe no one was on the bus, though several were evacuated before the flames took hold.

Firefighters were called at 5.10pm to the blaze, which happened close to Stokenchurch Fire Station.

A crew from Stokenchurch put out the fire, leaving the scene at around 6pm.

They have confirmed the bus was destroyed by the flames.