Residents of an end of terrace house had a narrow escape today when a bus ploughed into the property demolishing a side wall.

The bus driver and people in the house escaped without serious injuries when the single-decker First bus was in collision with a Ford Fiesta van and then ran into the building in York at around 8am.

Firefighters were dealing with a burst gas main at the scene in Lawrence Street, police said.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: ''The bus driver is out of the vehicle and being treated by paramedics. It is believed he is not seriously injured at this time, but has been taken to York District Hospital.

''The occupants of the house have left the property and are being seen to by paramedics, but it is not believed they are injured.

''The fire service is to remain at the scene dealing with a burst gas main.''

A structural engineer from York City Council has been called to assess the damage to the house.

A First spokesman said: ''The bus was leaving the depot so there were no passengers on board.

''The driver's been taken to hospital and is being treated for shock.

''We're working with the police to investigate the cause of the crash.''