A BUS company has launched an investigation after one of its vehicles was destroyed by fire.

The blaze on the Go North-East bus, which was not in service, started just after 9.15am on Wednesday morning on a rural County Durham road.

Emergency services were called and police closed the A693 between Consett and Stanley, near East Castle and Pontop Pike. 

No passengers were on board at the time and no-one was injured.

Go North-East said bus services were diverted via Catchgate and Dipton.

Managing director Kevin Carr said: “The bus, which was not in service at the time, caught fire this morning on the A693 between Consett and Stanley. 

“The driver who was the only person on the bus got off safely and alerted our service delivery centre.

“The cause of the fire is currently unknown and under investigation.”   

The Northern Echo:

The bus on fire on the A693 between Consett and Stanley, near East Castle  Picture: Nikki Stewart

Police reopened one lane of the road later in the afternoon.

A spokeswoman for Durham Police said: “The bus was not in service at the time and there have been no injuries.”

Fire crews from Consett and High Handenhold attended the scene.

A spokeswoman for County Durham Fire and Rescue Service said: "We received a call at 9.18am to a bus fire, which was well alight at the A693 near Stanley.

"A crew from Consett attended and they asked for a second appliance from High Handenhold.”