Bridge Street, Earlestown, closed off due to collapsing building

A section of Bridge Street has been closed off with fire and rescue crews in attendance from shortly before 4pm.

A spokesman said crews arrived to find a corner shop and flats with the front face of the building having collapsed on to surrounding scaffolding.

Firefighters cordoned off the road and neighbouring flats and shops were evacuated.

No-one has been injured from the incident.

Some of the building has collapsed (Image: Facebook, Cllr Terry Maguire, Newton-le-Willows West)

A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Fire crews have been called to Market Street, Newton-le-Willows this afternoon after reports of some scaffolding collapsing around a building.

"Crews were alerted at 3.51pm and on scene at 3.56pm, with two fire engines and the search and rescue team in attendance.

"Crews arrived to find a corner shop and flats with the front face of the building having collapsed onto surrounding scaffolding.

"Fire crews have cordoned off the road and pedestrian access and evacuated neighbouring shops and flats. Three residents in a flat above the shops have been evacuated by crews for their safety. All persons from the affected building are accounted for and uninjured."

He added: "The incident has now been scaled down to one fire engine and the scene is being assessed by a council building control officer.

"Motorists and pedestrians should avoid the area."