ELEVEN people were rescued and more than 60 people have been evacuated from a block of flats in Southampton after part of the building collapsed and damaged a gas pipeline early this morning.

Emergency services were called to Somborne House in Weston just after 6.30am this morning after members of the public saw parts of a supporting wall near a parade of shops fall down on the precinct.

Eleven people were led to safety from the Southampton City Council owned properties by firefighters after part of the walkway that connects several flats above the shops fell in.

More than 60 residents were also evacuated over fears of a gas explosion.

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Police said there were no signs of what caused parts of the building to fall. No one was reported injured.

Fire and ambulance crews were sent to the scene while gas engineers worked to seal off a leak on a broken pipe at the property in Weston Lane. A 100 metre exclusion zone was put in place around the area affected.

Southampton City Council's emergency planning department were also sent to the scene.

Residents were moved to a hall at Weston Lane Church.

Daily Echo: Residents rescued and scores evacuated after building collapse

A police spokesman said there were no reported casualties.

"Some people were reported trapped but this was because they could not open their doors to get out after the building moved.”

Road closures were put in place, with Weston Lane shut from the area near to the Chamberlayne Leisure Centre to the shore. Motorists were asked to avoid the area.