'Madness' as scaffolding collapses in city

Scaffolding has collapsed onto a city street creating a scene one resident described as "madness".Emergency services have been called to First Avenue in Hove after scaffolding fell from a high-rise building onto vehicles parked below.

The incident happened earlier today at a property understood to be around nine storeys high. Large sections of scaffolding came away from the structure, landing on several cars and prompting an immediate safety response.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) attended the scene alongside Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC). Fire crews and council officers are working to make the area safe, assess the stability of the remaining scaffolding and examine any structural damage to the building.

First Avenue has been closed in both directions while emergency teams secure the site and assess the extent of the damage. Motorists and pedestrians are being advised to avoid the area.

At this stage, there are no confirmed reports of injuries. The extent of the damage to the parked vehicles is still being assessed.

Residents in nearby properties have been warned to remain clear of the area while safety checks continue. An investigation into how the scaffolding came loose is expected once the site has been fully secured.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said no one was injured in the incident on First Avenue in Hove on Thursday. Photos collected by BBC reporters on the scene showed multiple cars damaged by the metal poles.

Michael Carey, who lives nearby, told BBC Radio Sussex it was "dramatic", adding: "It feels a bit mental. It's lucky that no one was walking past or in the cars." The incident comes amid a Met Office yellow weather warning for rain in southern England.

Mr Carey said one car looked "completely crushed", the scaffolding was "wrecked" and the glasswork and balconies on buildings were damaged. "Madness", he told BBC Radio Sussex.

Firefighters said they were called to the incident just before 13:30 GMT, with one fire engine from Preston Circus in attendance.Crews attended the scene, liaised with police and the area was cordoned off, they added.

The fire service said they left the scene just after 15:00, handing over to the main building contractor.Mimi Hodgkins, who lives next to scaffolding in Adelaide mansions, told the BBC she did not hear anything.

She said she was "really surprised" to see what happened, with a "lot of police" in attendance."It's very windy, very dangerous actually," she said.

"I was lucky that I didn't park my car there... even if you were passing there, you could really be killed."