Firefighters were called to London Road after flames were seen coming from a manhole which has led to roadworks in the area that are causing major delays in High Wycombe.

The fire happened around 9pm on Friday (September 9) as a cordon was put in place after initial investigations indicated it was started by an electrical fault.

A set of three-way traffic lights have since been set up on the A40 London Road by the Station Road roundabout.

The lights have resulted in large tailbacks in Loudwater going towards and away from the town centre, with drivers forced to sit and wait in traffic on the major road.

One driver said they sat in the queues for one hour describing the works as causing "havoc".

A Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "At around 9.07pm on Friday, 9 September 2022, one appliance and crew from High Wycombe responded to reports of flames issuing from a manhole cover on a footpath along London Road, Loudwater.

"Initial investigation indicated that flames were visible from the inspection cover, and the fire was believed to be electrical.

"Cordons were established around the manhole, and the electricity company notified.

"The scene was left in the hands of the electricity company."

The one.network website reports the Scottish and Southern Power Distribution works are expected to last until 11:59pm on September 16.

The works are described as "utility repair and maintenance works".

Bus services were also heavily delayed as well as being subject to cancellation.

A Carousel Buses social media post said: "Due to major road works on the London Road in High Wycombe, several of our Uxbridge, High Wycombe, Slough & Heathrow Airport service are running up to 45mins late and are subject to cancellation.

"We are sorry for the inconvenience caused."