An Essex bus driver has been suspended following allegations he worked for more than a year while serving a drink-driving ban.

It is believed the man continued driving buses in the Romford area - despite a two-year disqualification imposed in November 2000 for an offence committed in a car.

A spokesman for Stagecoach confirmed the company had suspended a driver as soon as it had heard allegations he had been banned.

He added the company had checked the man had a valid licence.

Police inquiry

However, it had suspended him while the matter was investigated further, and was now cooperating with the police inquiry.

"Our concern is always for the passengers," he said.

He could not confirm which routes the man had covered.

The Metropolitan Police stated officers in Romford would be investigating the allegations.