Devastation at the scene Pic: London Ambulance Service

The roof of a double decker bus was ripped off on Saturday night after it collided with a railway bridge in South Norwood, injuring seven.

The injured passengers were treated at the scene and four were taken to Croydon University Hospital with minor injuries. It is believed that all seven were sat on the top deck.

Managing director of surface transport at Transport for London Leon Daniels said: “At approximately 9.20pm a route 197 double decker bus, operated by Arriva, was involved in a collision with a bridge at the junction of Portland Road and Clifford Road.”

Police have said that the bridge was not part of the usual route to Peckham. Photos taken at the scene by emergency services show the roof of the double decker ripped off. They also capture a sign to the right of the bridge stating: ‘Warning, Low Bridge, Not suitable for double deck vehicles.’

The bus was wedged under the railway bridge Pic: London Ambulance Service

“There will be a full investigation into the incident,” Daniels added.

The London Ambulance Service sent a hazardous area response team, two ambulance crews, two single responders in cars and a duty manager to the accident, close to Norwood Junction station.

The London Overground service between Sydenham and West Croydon was suspended and the A215 Portland Road at Manor Road closed after the incident.

by Catherine Davies