A double-decker bus caught fire on the M11 in north-Essex today, causing long delays for motorists.

Despite a national strike over pensions, firefighters were called at 10.10am to the scene of the blaze which caused long delays between Bishop’s Stortford and Saffron Walden.

An Essex Fire spokesman said: “Three working crews were called to the M11 northbound between junctions eight and nine.

“On arrival, crews reported that a double-decker bus was completely alight and that the fire was affecting the motorway embankment. All passengers had evacuated from the vehicle by the time crews arrived.

“Firefighters in breathing apparatus used two hose reel jets to tackle the bus fire while beaters were used to extinguish flames on the embankment. The fire had been extinguished by 11.15.”

Traffic reportedly built back to junction eight (Bishop’s Stortford/Stansted Airport/A120).

Witness Samuel Douglas said: “From as far as a mile all you could see is black smoke. Getting closer I then realised it was a bus. I hope no one was harmed.”

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman said they were not called to the incident.

The Highways Agency expects the stretch of road to re-open at around 2pm.

The bus is believed to be from Stagecoach.