BUS routes across east London have been suspended today because of a 24-hour strike by drivers.

Routes in Redbridge and Waltham Forest are said to be "severely affected" this morning as the industrial action gets underway.

Union Unite called the strike after a row with the First Bus Group over pay and conditions for its workers.

The union wants its members to earn a standard salary of £30,000 a year, but First say it has already offered a "reasonable" pay increase of four per cent which was turned down.

According to the First Group, bus services in Waltham Forest which are affected include the W11, the W12, the 58, the 179, the 697, the 385, the 353, the 212, the 215 and the 357.

While in Redbridge, affected services include the 179, the 679, the W12, the 958 and the 308.

Only a handful of First services are running in London as a whole.

A spokesman for First said: "Buses are currently running on routes 79 from Alperton, 215, 231, 299, 357 and 385 from Northumberland Park, 323 from Dagenham, 339 from Lea Interchange, 414 from Westbourne Park, 427 from Hayes, A10 and U2 from Uxbridge, E1 from Greenford and PR2 from Willesden Junction depots.

"Routes operating may change through the day."