The brick facade of the residential building, in High Street adjacent to the Portsmouth Cathedral in Old Portsmouth, appears to have suddenly crumbled, bring with it parts of the window frames and some wiring.
A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “Southsea firefighters were called to the High Street shortly after 2pm yesterday after the outer brickwork from the first-floor of a residential building had fallen to the street.
"A number of properties were evacuated as the crew put a cordon in place, with police officers closing the road. An HIWFRS USAR officer attended the scene to provide advice before the incident was handed over to Portsmouth City Council. Firefighters left the scene at around 4pm.”
Temporary traffic lights are in place in the area and a stretch of pavement is fenced off. Police and fire crews attended the scene yesterday afternoon, according to a BBC report.
The as yet unexplained incident comes less than a week after the wall of an apartment building in Southsea collapse while some of its residents sat eating dinner.
"A number of properties were evacuated as the crew put a cordon in place, with police officers closing the road. An HIWFRS USAR officer attended the scene to provide advice before the incident was handed over to Portsmouth City Council. Firefighters left the scene at around 4pm.”
