SAFETY barriers have been installed on a canal bridge in Bradford on Avon after a driver crashed a vehicle into the stonework.

Traffic lights are in place with a single carriageway open so motorists using the B3109 should expect some delays.

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

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

Since the accident, Wiltshire Council contractors Ringway have installed safety barriers on the bridge to protect pedestrians.

The accident happened at around 9.50pm on Friday. Police and ambulance services attended the accident scene.

It is not known if the driver or passengers were hurt in the crash. It is understood that several people managed to get out of the vehicle. No arrests have been made.

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.”

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 the bridge.