Residents spend night away after building collapse

About 25 residents were affected after a neighbouring building was evacuated following the partial collapse of a building in Leicester, the city council has said.

Leicestershire Police said it was called to Wharf Street South on Monday evening to reports of the collapse of a former factory building, and several roads in the area were closed.

A person who was in the street sustained minor injuries after being struck by falling debris, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said.

A spokesperson for Leicester City Council said those affected were provided with overnight accommodation and would be allowed to return home "as soon as the area has been made safe".

The council said Wharf Street South and approach streets between St Matthews Way and Fleet Street remained closed on Tuesday morning.

Bryony Martindale, a station manager for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said while firefighters were dealing with the initial collapse, there was a second collapse involving the roof and other brickwork.

Severn Trent Water also confirmed its teams had been called to a "major" internal leak at a disused building in Wharf Street prior to the collapse.

A spokesperson said: "They had attended to help shut off the building's water supply to support the owners of the property, and were not on site when the building collapsed later in the evening."

A spokesperson for Leicester City Council said: "Around 25 residents were evacuated from an adjacent building and provided with overnight accommodation.

"Those affected will be able to return to their homes, as soon as the area has been made safe.

"A full assessment of the building is now under way, although it is clear that some parts are unsafe and will need to be removed today.

"At this stage it's not possible to say how much of the building will need to be demolished, or how long it will take, but a further update will be issued as soon as possible."

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