GLOUCESTER Green bus station was closed until this morning following a fire at the bus station yesterday afternoon.

At 4.14pm firefighters were called to the depot in Oxford after an Oxford Bus Company coach burst into flames while it was being moved.

The 'substantial' fire involved the engine bay and rear section of the coach, one of OBC's 'airline' services between Oxford and Heathrow and Gatwick Airports.

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue crews from Rewley Road and Slade Park fire stations attended and extinguished the blaze using high-pressure jets.

Oxford Mail:

Incident commander watch manager Paul Harding said: "On arrival the rear of the coach was fully involved in fire with large amounts of smoke issuing. Our first priority was to stop the fire spreading.

"We worked closely with our partners in Thames Valley Police to establish a cordon to keep members of the public at a safe distance."

Oxford Mail:

Gloucester Green remained closed until 8am today.

No-one was hurt in the incident.

Oxford Bus Company managing director Phil Southall said: "Just after 4pm yesterday afternoon, as one of our coaches was being moved within Gloucester Green, our driver noticed smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle. 

"There were no passengers on board and the vehicle was not in service.

"On-site staff quickly evacuated the scene and contacted the fire service who attended along with Thames Valley Police, both of whom assisted with quickly containing the fire and ensuring the safety of the public. 

"The vehicle was removed during the evening and is now undergoing a detailed examination to determine the cause of the fire.

"We are grateful to the quick response of the emergency services and the city council whose efforts meant we were able to have the station reopened just after 8am this morning."

Thames Valley Police spokesman Gareth Ford-Lloyd said police had been called at 4.20pm to assist the fire service.

It is not being treated as suspicious.