AN investigation was under way last night after a double-decker bus had its roof ripped off when it crashed into a low level bridge - weeks after a similar accident at the same spot.

It is the fifth time a bus has had its roof torn off after trying to pass under the 13ft bridge in Gateshead, Tyneside.

In the latest crash at 10am yesterday, a Go North East bus collided with the bridge in Wellington Road, Dunston. A witness said the entire roof had been ripped off and debris left strewn across the road.

A small number of passengers were on the bus, but no one was seriously injured.

Go North East commercial director Martin Harris said: "An ambulance attended the scene as a precaution and the driver received treatment for minor cuts to his head.

"The bus was operating service X12 from the Metrocentre to Newcastle. This service is normally a double-deck bus. Wellington Road is not on its route.

"A full investigation is under way in conjunction with the police and every effort will be made to ensure that there will be no repetition of such an incident."

Mr Harris said the company had already invested heavily in low bridge warning devices for many of its double-deck vehicles - and the ongoing programme would see more buses equipped this year.

He said: "Staff training, handbooks and newsletters contain warnings about low bridges in our operating area.

"Any lessons that can be learned from this incident will be thoroughly considered and any further practical measures we take adopted as a matter of urgency."

Mr Harris said the previous accident, on July 8, was still the subject of an on-going inquiry and was being treated as a separate case.

He said they were redoubling efforts to increase awareness among all drivers.

"We are extremely concerned about such incidents and in response, the procedures which are currently in place will be subject to an internal review," he said.