CHRISTMAS shoppers had an amazing escape yesterday when the top of their double decker bus was ripped off when it smashed into a low bridge.

Eighteen people were injured when the top of the bus was sliced off at Metal Bridge, between Spennymoor and Coxhoe, in County Durham yesterday morning.

Eleven people were taken to the University Hospital, Durham, and seven others declined hospital treatment.

No one was seriously hurt and some of the 45 passengers continued on their journey.

The X90 service bus, owned by Stagecoach, had started its journey at Darlington and was heading for the MetroCentre in Gateshead.

Elizabeth Robinson, from Springfield, Darlington, was sitting with her mother, Ellen Robinson, on the top deck.

She said: "We heard the crunch then we ducked instinctively."

Miss Robinson reached for her mobile phone and dialled 999. "The police, fire brigade and ambulance were there within four to five minutes."

She said she heard two little girls at the back of the bus scream but fortunately they were unhurt.

"I only have a few bumps and bruises and those that were hurt had superficial wounds," she said. "We are all very lucky."

Police said the bus, which was just over 13ft 6in tall, travelled a further 40 yards after going under the 12ft 9in bridge.

Ian Pointon, marketing manager for Stagecoach, said the driver, who was unhurt, had 25 years experience with the company.

He said a single decker bus usually covered the Metro Centre route but a double decker had been put on to cope with the Christmas demand.

The company had yet to speak to the driver but would be carrying out its own investigation. He added: "The safety of both our customers and staff is absolutely paramount. Thankfully, only minor injuries were sustained."