A DOUBLE decker coach overheated on the Dock Approach Road A1089 slip road close to the point it meets the A13 London-bound slip road late this afternoon (Friday, 19 July).

It is reported the incident happened around 5.40pm and children and others on the bus, from which steam and smoke were seen rising, were evacuated. 

Police officers who attended ensured the safety of the children, who had to wait around an hour until a replacement vehicle picked them up.

The slip road was reduced to one lane while the incident was dealt with and police managed traffic flow to ensure safety. The fire service attended to deal with fluid that had spilled onto the road.

A statement from Essex Fire and Rescue said: "There wasn't a fire for us to tackle as it turned out to be a blown radiator on the bus and the children then had to wait for a replacement bus to arrive."