WORCESTERSHIRE county council says it cannot comment on claims its heavy goods vehicles were using Eastham Bridge in the days leading up to its collapse.

Residents near the Grade-II listed bridge in Lindridge, near Tenbury Wells, spoke of lorries driving over it - despite warning signs instructing them not to.

The historic bridge collapsed on Tuesday afternoon, just moments after two school transport mini-buses carrying children from Lindridge St Lawrence School had attempted to cross.

A nearby resident told the BBC dozens of heavy goods vehicles were using the bridge on Monday and Tuesday to transport materials for road repair works near Tenbury.

He said: "All day Monday and all morning Tuesday we were having stone lorries - 25-tonners - coming up this road, it says unsuitable for lorries. 17 loads coming up on Tuesday - no wonder it collapsed."

In the BBC's report, Worcestershire County Council said until an investigation has been completed they could not comment on the claims. It said it is aware of highway work near Tenbury.

The Worcester News has also contacted the Council for a comment.

An eyewitness, Alan Sheldon, of Worcester, was just 50 yards away from the bridge when he saw it collapse into the water below.

"The first thing I heard was the sound of rock falling into water.

"My first thought was that there had been some kids throwing stones into the water from the bridge.

"But, within a few seconds, the complete left hand span collapsed into the river below and shortly afterwards the middle span also went."

The C2091 has been closed and traffic is being diverted via the A443 to Tenbury Wells or Newnham Bridge.

On Tuesday, a spokesman for the council, said: "Highways engineers are on site to assess the damage and ensure the area is safe.

"Diversions are currently being arranged. An investigation has started to look into what happened."

Harriett Baldwin, MP for West Worcestershire, commented: "Obviously my principal reaction is relief that no one was hurt and I am keen to express my gratitude to the emergency services who attended promptly to manage the incident.

"This will clearly have an impact on local road-users and I am awaiting a full report from the county council highways department on both the causes of the collapse, what measures we can take to reduce its long-term effect and how we repair the situation as quickly as possible.

"Tenbury will remain open for business but we must do all we can to help any local people or businesses who may be impacted."