Police are urging witnesses to the death of two elderly men in Romford to come forward, as the bus driver whose double decker hit them is bailed.

Romford Recorder: An aerial view of Western Road after the accidentAn aerial view of Western Road after the accident (Image: Archant)

The driver of the 252 bus was in Western Road at 2.20pm yesterday when his vehicle hit two men in their mid 60s.

Romford Recorder: Police at the scene of the accidentPolice at the scene of the accident (Image: Archant)

They died at the scene and next of kin have now been informed

Romford Recorder: Paramedics were called to the scene at about 2.20pmParamedics were called to the scene at about 2.20pm (Image: Archant)

A post-mortem and formal examination has yet to be scheduled.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He has been bailed until a date in January pending further investigation.

Police believe there were a large number of witnesses at the scene, including those on the bus involved and another one that was passing at the time of the incident – understood to have been a 103.

Detectives want those people to come forward with any information they may have.

The 252 travels from Collier Row Library to Hornchurch town centre.

The accident happened near to the Liberty Shopping Centre, close to Western Road’s junction with Chandlers Way.

Eyewitness Patrica Kluxem, 49, of Collier Row, who was on the bus at the time, said: “There were two bangs and a big cry. I was in so much shock, everybody got off the bus and there was lots of shopping on the floor.

“I was crying, I called my pastor after to tell him what happened.”

Mike Weston, Transport for London’s director of buses, said: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of the two people who have tragically died after a collision with a route 252 double deck bus, operated by Stagecoach, in Romford.

“We are assisting the Metropolitan Police with their investigation into this incident.”

Officers from the Road Death Investigation Unit are investigating.

Witnesses are asked to call the investigation unit on 020 8842 1817, or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Did you see what happened? Tweet us @romfordrecorder or email amanda.nunn@archant.co.uk.