A double-decker bus has crashed into a railway bridge in Essex, causing travel delays in the area.

The vehicle, which is around 15 feet tall, became stuck under the bridge on Duke Street in Chelmsford on Wednesday after attempting to pass under the stone arch.

The route, only used by buses, bikes and taxis, was blocked for around an hour and 15 minutes before trains started running again after the bus was freed.

The bridge is on the Great Eastern Main Line between London and Norwich.

A double-decker bus has crashed into a railway bridge in Essex, causing travel delays in the area

First Bus, which operates the service, has now launched a probe into the collision.

Essex Police confirmed that no passengers were on the bus and there were no reported injuries.

The force said the road under the bridge had been closed to pedestrians for a "short time".

Network Rail has urged bus drivers to "carefully plan their routes" to avoid future incidents, which cost "millions of pounds" every year.

The vehicle became stuck under the bridge on Duke Street in Chelmsford on Wednesday after attempting to pass under the stone arch

A spokesman from the operator confirmed that trains arriving and departing from Chelmsford were delayed.

They added: "Our teams were quickly on site to inspect the bridge.

"Once the bus was safely removed and no structural damage was confirmed, normal train services resumed by 6.56pm. Bridge strikes like this cost taxpayers millions of pounds each year and are entirely preventable.

"We urge drivers to always consider the height and size of their vehicles, including any loads they are carrying, and to carefully plan their routes to avoid incidents that put our infrastructure at risk."

The route is only used by buses, bikes and taxis

In a statement, First Bus said it "assisted emergency crews and recovery teams following an incident involving one of our service 372 buses hitting the Duke Street railway bridge in Chelmsford as it was travelling towards Colchester".

It added: "We have not been made aware of any injuries, and we will be undertaking a full investigation."

A spokesman for Essex Highways said: "Every road user has the responsibility of being aware of their surroundings and driving safely, and this bridge clearly displays a height limit of 12ft 6in (3.8m).

"Drivers must be careful when passing under structures and make sure their vehicles fit before making the attempt."