A double-decker bus has been evacuated after erupting into flames.

The Stagecoach vehicle caught fire in Hamstreet Road, near Ashford, shortly after 3pm today.

It is believed to have stopped between Sugarloaf and Bromley Green, near the junction with Capel Road.

A picture taken by driver Ralph Gadsby shows smoke billowing from the vehicle, with a large fire towards its rear.

One fire engine can also be spotted behind the bus, with firefighters seemingly rushing to put the blaze out.

Mr Gadsby says the incident has led to the route being shut off.

He said: “I spent most of my time directing traffic away before the road was closed.

“All passengers and the driver got off and were OK.

“The bus company took [them] away and a few got lifts from vehicles turning around.”

Stagecoach says seven passengers were on the bus at the time of the fire.

A spokesperson said: “We’re aware of an incident earlier today involving one of our buses on Hamstreet Road, Ashford.

“Upon noticing smoke in the vehicle, the driver brought it to an immediate stop and instructed all passengers to evacuate.

“All seven passengers exited safely and there are no reports of any injuries.

“The fire brigade attended the scene and dealt with the incident.

“Safety is our absolute priority and we are investigating the cause.”

A fire service spokesperson said: “Two fire engines attended and crews, wearing breathing apparatus, used hose reel jets to extinguish the flames.

“There were no reported injuries and the cause is not known.”