REDDITCH homes were evacuated on Friday after a crash between a Diamond bus and a car caused a major gas leak. 

Emergency services were called to A441 The Ridgeway at the junction of Yew End, Astwood Bank, at 4.40pm.

A total of five properties in the immediate vicinity had to be evacuated after the smash caused damaged to a gas main pipe and a wall.

Two people, including an 11-year-old girl who had minor injuries, were checked over by paramedics from West Midlands Ambulance Service and discharged at the scene.

Officers cordoned off more than one mile of road and traffic was diverted at Edgioake Lane with drivers were asked to avoid the area to ease congestion.

Engineers from National Grid worked to fix the problem and the road reopened, with people being allowed to return to their homes at around 9pm.

A Diamond Bus spokesman confirmed the incident.

They said: "At approximately 4.40pm on Friday, January 6 in Ridgeway, Astwood Bank, there was a collision between a Diamond Bus and a car, which also caused damage to a wall and a gas main pipe.

"There were two passengers on the bus, one of whom was treated by paramedics at the scene for a nose bleed.

"The cause of the incident is currently under investigation and it would be inappropriate to comment further until those investigations are completed."

A police spokesman thanked the public for their patience and assistance in avoiding the area.