A bus on fire brought the A329 to a standstill this morning.

Emergency services were sent to the A329(M) northbound on approach from Berkshire Way near Wokingham, following reports of a bus on fire

The incident was reported shortly after 10:30am today (December 21) with traffic being held by emergency services.

At 11:57am Wokingham Borough Council said: "The A329M is closed between Wokingham and Winnersh, between Coppid Beech and Winnersh Reading-bound, due to a bus fire.

"Expect extra traffic into or through Wokingham if travelling this afternoon.

"Bus services (lion 4 and lion X4) may be impacted."

A spokesperson for Reading Buses said: “We can confirm that one of our vehicles was attended by the fire brigade today. The bus was not in service, so no customers were on board.

“The driver was able to leave the bus safely and alert the authorities. We will be investigating the cause of the incident.”

Sarah Tyson was driving southbound on the A329M when she spotted the fire.

She said: "It hadn't started long before we got there but nobody was on or near the bus that we could see.

"A lorry and a rubbish collection vehicle were on scene. No fire brigade at the time and one police car.

"The lorry and rubbish collection vehicle were stopping anyone from driving past."

Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services have confirmed they attended the scene. 

A spokesperson said: "At 10:20am we received a call to a report of a bus on fire on the A329(M) north-bound between Coppid Beech roundabout and M4.

"Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service crews from Wokingham, Whitley Wood and Ascot Fire Stations were sent to the scene, alongside the off-road water carrier from Bracknell Fire Station.

"Upon arrival, the crew found a fire affecting the engine compartment of a double decker bus. The bus was not in service and had no passengers on board.

"Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus extinguished the fire using two hose reels, before handing the scene over to Thames Valley Police.

"The crew was on the scene for approximately one hour and 10 minutes."