Fire engulfs bus near shopping centre

A bus was completely burnt-out and had its roof destroyed when flames engulfed it in Solihull.

West Midlands Fire Service was called to reports of a blaze to a single decker shortly before 14:00 GMT.

Two crews attended the scene on Chelmsley Circle in Chelmsley Wood, dousing the flames while also protecting nearby Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre.

In a statement, National Express, which runs the bus service, said the vehicle was swiftly evacuated of passengers and that no injuries had been recorded. When asked by the BBC whether passengers were aboard when flames broke out or fire took hold after the evacuation, the company said it would not be adding to its statement.

"We apologise to any of our customers whose journeys have been delayed as a result of the incident," the statement continued.

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