Five people were injured today after a London bus had its roof ripped off by a tree.

Pictures from the scene showed a double decker with upper-floor seats and handrails visible in Kingsway in the Holborn area of the capital.

It is thought the roof was torn off after the 91 route bus, which normally runs between which runs between Crouch End and Trafalgar Square, struck a tree just outside King's College. 

Shards of glass from the windows of the bus also littered the road, with the roof trailing behind the vehicle at an angle, as stunned passengers were seen still sitting on the ruined top deck.  

Two people had to be taken to hospital with facial injuries, while another three were treated at the scene - next to a sign warning of overhanging trees.

A London Ambulance Service spokesman said: 'We treated five patients. We treated two patients for facial injuries, they were taken to St Thomas's Hospital.

London Fire Brigade said on Twitter: 'We are at the scene of an accident on #Kingsway Holborn. A bus has lost its roof. Thankfully only minor injuries.' 

At the scene London Fire Brigade station manager Gary Squires said: 'Those involved were very lucky to escape serious injury.'

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: 'Three passengers on the bus and one motorist - are currently being treated at the scene. We await further details.

'Enquiries are under way to ascertain the circumstances of the collision.'