Bricks were left scattered across the street following the collapse
Police at the scene on Townsend Lane(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
A building collapsed onto the road as the sun shone down on Anfield this afternoon. Emergency services filled Townsend Lane following reports a building had partially collapsed shortly before 1.50pm today, Wednesday July 15.
Two fire engines and a search and rescue team attended, Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service said, along with Merseyside Police officers who set up a road block. FIre crews arrived to find the building, which was made up of Jovan’s Kitchen, a café, on the ground floor and a flat on the first floor, situated on the corner of Townsend Lane and Empress Road, had partially collapsed.
A hole, peering into the living room of the flat, remained as bricks filled the pavement below from where a wall had toppled.
The café below suffered damage to its signs and will likely be closed until work can be done to make the building safe.
All people were accounted for by emergency services and the site was cleared, although, as of 4.30pm, the road remained closed between Lampeter Road and Canon Road.
Building collapse on Townsend Lane(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Cadent is believed to have isolated the gas before Scottish Power cut the electricity, with Liverpool City Council assessing the building to check it is safe.
One man, who works nearby, said: “It just slowly started to come down and then it smashed against the pavement. It was crazy, I’ve never seen anything like that before. No one was in when it happened, thankfully.”
Before the ECHO left the scene, it was handed over to the council for assessment, with groups of people coming and going to look at the building wreckage.
A Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Crews were alerted at 1.48pm and on scene at 1.55pm, with two fire engines and the search and rescue team attending.
“On arrival this was a partial building collapse. The premises has been evacuated, and all persons have been accounted for. The property above, as well as neighbouring properties have also been evacuated.
“Merseyside Police are also in attendance to assist with traffic management, with road closures in place.
“A structural engineer and utility companies have been requested. This is an ongoing incident, please avoid the area.”
A Liverpool City Council spokesperson said: “We have been made aware of a partial building collapse in Anfield.
“Our building control team are attending the scene to inspect the extent of the damage to the building and identify any necessary next steps.”