FIRE crews are battling a blaze after a bus fire in a residential street.

Witnesses described seeing flames engulf the back of the vehicle in Castle Road, Worthing.

Smoke filled the street as the blaze raged and the bus driver worked quickly to evacuate passengers.

The Argus:

The incident was first reported shortly before 1pm and fire crews are currently on the scene.

A West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Crews from Worthing Fire Station are currently dealing with a bus on fire at the junction of Castle Road and Harefield Avenue in Worthing.

"Please avoid the area for the time being."

The Argus:

Two fire engines were sent to the scene to extinguish the fire, which was coming from the rear of a single-decker bus.

At 2pm the fire service provided an update.

A spokesman said: "The fire is now under control and one appliance has returned to the fire station.

The Argus:

"The other crew remains at the scene, and drivers are urged to continue to avoid the area for the time being."

He added: "Luckily the bus was evacuated quickly before our attendance."

The South East Coast Ambulance Service was not called to the scene.