Strike paralyses majority of bus routes in London

Millions of commuters faced a difficult journey to work - and back home - as a strike paralysed the majority of bus routes in London.

Transport for London said fewer than a third of normal rush hour services were running.

At 7.30am there were just 2,000 buses on the capital's streets instead of the usual 6,200.

Commuters struggled to get aboard buses in the suburbs. Overcrowding quickly became a problem and many passengers watched in frustration as packed buses sped by without stopping.

The 24-hour strike by drivers belonging to the Unite union is in protest at different pay rates at different bus companies.

The union claims some drivers are paid £9.30 an hour while others get £13.34.

Mayor Boris Johnson claimed a London-wide pay deal for all 24,500 drivers would cost more than £100m.