DIVING inspection experts have been brought in to examine the crumbling remains of Eastham Bridge - with council chiefs saying they are not prepared to "speculate" about why it fell down.

Worcestershire County Council has revealed how a team of specialists who can go underwater were ordered to go into the River Teme to survey the wrecked remains today, as questions grow around the cause.

This morning some people living near the site said heavy lorries doing highways work for County Hall were regularly trundling over the bridge despite the structure having weight restrictions.

But the Conservative leadership says it will not speculate on how it happened until its own investigation is complete.

It also emerged today that council bosses have met with a temporary bridge construction firm to consider some alternative crossing.

The collapsed Eastham Bridge means drivers face a 10-mile diversion route via the A443.

Councillor Marcus Hart, cabinet member for highways, said: "We have been talking to people affected by the collapse of Eastham Bridge.

"Earlier today we attended a public meeting and listened to their concerns.

"I understand their frustrations and we are doing everything that we can to find out what caused the problem.

"We have even brought in a specialist diving inspection team to survey the bridge remains from under the water.

"At the same time as continuing our investigations we have met with a company that specialises in installing temporary bridges to consider our options.

"However this is complex as we need to consider where we can build new roads to give access to any temporary river crossing.

"There are also restrictions in this area as it is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and the bridge was Grade II listed by English Heritage.

"It could take as long as a couple of weeks before we have an answer on this."

He added: "We are aware of reports that there were heavy lorries in the area earlier this week and I have asked our engineers to look into this, but until we complete our investigations I cannot speculate about the cause."

The bridge, near Tenbury, suddenly crumbled and fell into the river on Tuesday afternoon.

Two minibus drivers carrying schoolchildren had a narrow escape when they reversed off it seconds before it fell away, avoiding disaster by a matter of seconds.