A busy road in Liverpool has been closed after a street sweeper crashed into a William Hill betting shop and flipped onto its side.

Emergency services were called to Holt Road in Kensington at 11.29am today (Thursday, August 21). Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed two fire engines and a search and rescue team attended, alongside police and paramedics.

Crews arrived to find the street-cleaning vehicle had smashed into the shop window before overturning. The driver was already out of the cab when firefighters arrived and was treated by North West Ambulance Service for minor injuries before being taken to hospital.

A Merseyside Fire and Rescue spokesperson said: "Crews arrived to find a street sweeping vehicle had collided with a shop window and was on its side.

"The occupant of the vehicle was out on arrival of crews and in the care of North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) being assessed for injuries thought to be minor before being taken to hospital. The search and rescue team assessed the structural integrity of the shop, which was structurally safe.

"Crews applied a special absorbent material to fluid leaking from the vehicle and made the scene safe."

Police closed the road in both directions between Sheil Road and Holt Road as recovery efforts got underway. Liverpool City Council also attended to oversee the vehicle’s removal. Fire crews left the scene at 12.11pm.

Witnesses described hearing a “loud crash” before seeing the utility vehicle on its side outside the William Hill, with shattered glass across the pavement. Several passersby rushed to the scene to help.

One witness told Liverpool Echo: “I was just leaving Home Bargains when I heard the bang. The front windows were smashed and people were rushing over to check if the driver was alright.”

The crash has also caused significant disruption to traffic and bus services. Arriva confirmed that services 8, 9, 10, 10A and 10B are diverting via Moss Street, New Islington, Brunswick Road, West Derby Road and Green Lane, avoiding part of Kensington and Prescot Road.

A spokesperson for Arriva warned: “Delays are likely, please allow extra time for your journey.”

Police remain at the scene and the road is expected to reopen later this afternoon once the vehicle is recovered and debris cleared.