A driver has crashed a vehicle into the canal bridge in Bradford on Avon.

The crash partially demolished the stone wall of the bridge at The Wharf in Frome Road yesterday evening.

Most of the stonework fell close to the Kennet & Avon Canal lock below.

It is understood that several people managed to get out of the vehicle.

Police and ambulance services were called to the scene just before 10pm last night.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald:

Wiltshire Police said: “We responded to a call at around 9.50pm to a single-vehicle road traffic collision on Frome Road, Bradford on Avon.

“A Citroen Berlingo had crashed with the canal bridge. No injuries were reported.

“The vehicle has been recovered and both the Canal Trust and Highways Agency were informed.”

One observer said: "It seems a car smashed into the bridge parapet, which accounts for the ambulance a short while ago. Much of the stonework is in the cut by the lock gates."

An 89-year-old woman who lives nearby said: "I heard an almighty bang and looked out of the window.

"I saw several people get out of the car and then police and the ambulance arrived.

"They moved the car to the entrance to the canal towpath.

"The police were then until about 1am this morning clearing it up and making it safe."

Barriers were put up to prevent pedestrians falling into the canal below.

The canal bridge at The Wharf was last repaired following an accident in March 2018.

On that occasion, a 36-year-old driver was arrested after crashing a red Berlingo vehicle into it.