Dramatic images have emerged of the moment a coach burst into flames on the North Circular near Brent Cross in the early hours of this morning.

Brent & Kilburn Times: The fire sent a tall column of smoke billowing into the sky (Pic credit: Jakub Gadziacki /Coolimage77)The fire sent a tall column of smoke billowing into the sky (Pic credit: Jakub Gadziacki /Coolimage77) (Image: Archant)

Fire crews spent over one and a half hours tackling the fire after the Diamond Coaches vehicle went up in flames at the junction of Hendon way with the A41 at 2:30 am.

Paramedics treated the driver or smoke inhalation and shock at the scene.

Diamond Coaches has not been able to confirm if passengers were on the coach at the time but only the driver required medical attention.

Most of the coach was left damaged after the fire was brought under control shortly before 4am.

Brent & Kilburn Times: Four fire crews attended the scene of the blaze (Pic credit: Jakub Gadziacki /Coolimage77)Four fire crews attended the scene of the blaze (Pic credit: Jakub Gadziacki /Coolimage77) (Image: Archant)

Hendon Way was shut southbound at the Brent Cross roundabout but has now reopened.

A spokeswoman for London Fire Brigade confirmed the cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Brent & Kilburn Times: The fire sent smoke billowing into the sky ((Pic credit: Jakub Gadziacki /Coolimage77)The fire sent smoke billowing into the sky ((Pic credit: Jakub Gadziacki /Coolimage77) (Image: Archant)