Coach driver dies in cinema crash

A coach driver has died after crashing into Cheltenham's new Brewery cinema and restaurant complex.

The crash, which happened at about 0740 GMT, closed St Margaret's Road from Winchcombe Street to Monson Avenue.

The driver, a man in his 50s, was taken to Cheltenham General Hospital after receiving help at the scene from members of the public, but died.

The coach was not carrying passengers. The Cineworld cinema and a number of vehicles were damaged.

Screenings postponed

Richard Smith, from Hesters Way, whose car was hit by the coach, said: "I saw the driver coming towards me, he wasn't moving.

"He then hit my car, crashed into the side of the cinema and was thrown from the cab."

Cheltenham Borough Council said it had been called in to help arrange local traffic diversions.

Structural engineers were called to the scene to check if the building is safe.

Parts of Cineworld's fire exit corridors have collapsed, but there has been no damage to any of the screens or auditoriums.

Cineworld's general manager, Jason Bainbridge, said some screenings have been postponed.