A DOUBLE decker bus had its roof ripped off after driving under a road bridge on Charlton Road on Saturday lunchtime.

The Stagecoach bus - which was a number 70 travelling from Swindon to Andover - drove under the bridge, which has an 11ft (3.5m) height restriction.

Two passengers were treated for shock and one was injured by broken glass after the roof was completely ripped off. All of the passengers were able to exit the vehicle safely.

Peter Robinson, operations manager for Stagecoach Andover, admitted the crash could have had dire consequences' but said the Swindon-based driver had been warned about the low bridge.

"It wasn't one of our local drivers, he was from our Swindon depot. He was given a map and was told that there was going to be a diversion because part of Charlton Road was closed," he said.

"He came from Harrow Way and was told to go down Tollgate Road, but for whatever reason he turned left with the main diversion instead. We warn our drivers everyday about low bridges and diversions and they get lots of training so it seems it can only be a simple case of human error.

"There will be a full inquiry. as there could have been very serious consequences."