EMERGENCY services rushed to the scene of a major crash in Southampton last night involving a car and a bus.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue services were called at 6.33pm to reports that a car had crashed into a single-decker bus on Lordshill Way.

Four engines from Redbridge, St Mary’s, Cosham and Hardley fire crews were in attendance for most of the evening and it has been confirmed by the fire services that someone was cut from the car.

A silver Vauxhall Corsa was seen on its side having smashed into the front of the bus and then careering off the road near Tanners Road.

It is understood a number of people were injured but details had no been released last night.

Investigations are continuing today into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

According to one Lordshill resident who witnessed the aftermath there was an air ambulance and “more than a dozen” emergency service vehicles on the scene.

Operated by First Bus Southampton the bus is one of “the Three” route which travels from Lordshill to Thornhill via the city centre.

One local resident, who did not want named, said: “The front of the bus was completely destroyed and seemed to have been ripped off.”

Another resident said: “I was sitting in the garden when I heard the fire engines. I saw the aftermath and I have never seen so many police, fire engines and ambulances before. It seemed very serious. The front end of the bus looked smashed up.

“I have lived here for 20 years and have seen a number of serious road accidents on the same stretch of road.”

Last night a spokesperson from Hampshire police said: “We’re currently dealing with a serious collision on Lordshill Way involving a car and bus.

“Lordshill Way and Woburn Road are closed in both directions and diversion are in place. We are urging motorists to avoid the area and take alternative routes.”

A company spokesperson for First Bus Southampton said: “We can confirm that one of our vehicles operating the 3 Service was involved in a serious road traffic incident at Lordshill Way.

“Following the incident First Bus Southampton immediately implemented its emergency procedures and sent representatives to the scene to provide support to those involved and the emergency services. We would like to thank the emergency services for their work. Our thoughts are with everyone involved.”