A mechanical failure on a double decker bus caused huge plumes of white smoke to billow out from underneath, temporarily closing West Croydon Bus Station.

The incident occurred on the 407 bus which was stationary near the station when the white smoke began pouring out from underneath the vehicle's frame.

London Fire Brigade was called to the scene and sent a fire engine to Station Road in Croydon at 4.57pm on May 19.

Tom Cunnington, TfL's Head of Bus Business Development, said no passengers were on board the bus when the incident unfolded.

He explained that the bus's rear engine had overheated and failed, triggering the bus suppression system.

The incident was brought under control within 36 minutes and at 5.33pm firefighters left the scene.

Following the incident, investigations were carried out to determine the cause of the mechanical failure and West Croydon Bus Station was temporarily closed.

Tom Cunnington, TfL’s Head of Bus Business Development, said: “We are thankful that no customers were aboard the Route 407 bus this afternoon and there were no injuries when its rear engine overheated and failed at West Croydon bus station, triggering the bus suppression system.

“The London Fire Brigade attended the scene and the bus station was closed for a short time while investigations were carried out.

“We will be supporting the operator’s investigation into what happened.“ A spokesperson for London Fire Brigade said: “Firefighters were called to heavy smoke issuing from a bus on Station Road in Croydon.

“There were no reports of any injuries.

“The Brigade was called at 4.57pm and the incident was over for firefighters by 5.33pm.

“One fire engine from Croydon Fire Station attended the scene.”