Passengers on a bus from Southend were left horrified after the vehicle crashed into a tree branch smashing the top windows.

The crash, which happened on the First Bus number 20 around 12.05pm today in The Chase, Rayleigh, smashed a side window and badly damaged the front window.

A customer on board the service said; "It was scary, we heard this bomb-like bang and no one knew what happened.

"The glass on the top shattered and the driver stopped and said we had to get off."

A spokesperson from First Bus East of England said: “Due to planned roadworks on Clarence Road, our 20 service was diverted via The Chase.

"Earlier today, whilst on the diverted route, a vehicle hit a low hanging branch which broke a window.

"Safety is always our number one priority, and as such the driver requested that all the customers exit the vehicle, so it could return to the depot to be repaired.

“The passengers were then directed to the next bus stop and informed that their tickets would be valid on any of our 20 or 25 services.

“In order to prevent any further issues, all 20 services were then diverted along Eastwood Road instead of The Chase. This diversion will remain in place for the duration of the roadworks, currently scheduled to end on August 23.”