Eight taken to hospital after coach fire on M25

Eight people have been taken to hospital after a coach caught fire on the M25 in Surrey.

The incident happened near Leatherhead at about 16:00 BST, with the bus parked by the side of the road on the anticlockwise carriageway. Eyewitnesses reported seeing plumes of smoke and a "train of people" being led away.

A spokesman for Surrey Fire and Rescue Service confirmed everyone had been accounted for.

South East Coast Ambulance Service said multiple crews joined police and fire services at the incident between Junctions 9 and 8, where eight patients were assessed at the scene and taken to hospital for further checks.

Becky Slack, who was on the motorway, said there were large amounts of smoke.

"We realised there was a bus on fire, and another bus parked in front of it," she said, adding that they saw "a train of people" being led away.

Sussex Police said the driver and passengers "safely disembarked".

A spokesman for the force said there had been damage to the road and surrounding area, and significant delays were expected for some time.

Drivers were advised to avoid the area and find alternative routes where possible.

The fire service said four fire engines and a water carrier were sent to the scene.

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