A BUS station was closed for several hours after effluent flooded the concourse.

Stinking liquid flooded parts of the main Durham station, on the city’s North Road, on Tuesday evening, leading operators Durham County Council to close the facility from about 6.30pm.

Buses and passengers were re-directed onto North Road itself, where officials tried to help commuters find their service.

A double decker bus was parked at the bus station entrance to prevent vehicles entering.

One traveller said passengers were chasing buses to marshalling points.

The station was reopened by about 10.30pm.

Mark Ellis, commercial manager for bus firm Arriva, said a problem was first noticed at about 5pm.

"We understand that a problem started at about 5pm with some sort of drainage difficult and liquid appeared on the concourse. There was a bit of a pungent smell.

"Durham County Council made the decision to close the bus station at about 6.30pm and our supervisor stayed back to ensure everyone knew what was going on.

"Like other operators our services began operating from North Road itself, but I understand the problem was rectified and the bus station reopened by 10.30pm."

A Durham County Council spokeswoman confirmed the station had been closed for safety reasons but had since re-opened.