A major route into Liverpool city centre could remain closed overnight after debris fell from a student accommodation building. Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service (MFRS) attended Islington on Tuesday afternoon, October 27, following reports of an unsafe building.
A police spokesperson said officers were asked to assist the fire service with road closures while the incident was dealt with. A pedestrian area was also cordoned off as a precaution. Islington remains closed towards the city centre, while Norton Street was initially shut in both directions.
Road reopenings and congestion
The road has since reopened between London Road and Islington. Photos from the scene show a section of metal cladding that appears to have fallen from the building, with another piece seemingly at risk of coming loose.
The incident caused congestion around London Road and the surrounding area, with cordons remaining in place on Islington and Norton Street. Norton Street reopened between London Road and Islington at around 3pm.
Expected overnight closure and essential works
The ECHO understands Islington is expected to remain closed overnight, with essential works due to take place on Wednesday, October 28. MFRS confirmed crews attended Islington at its junction with Norton Street, where a pedestrian area remains cordoned off.
A spokesperson for the service said: "Crews arrived to find debris had fallen from the building and they took action to block off the junction of Islington and Norton Street and cordoned off a pedestrian area."
Crews requested assistance from Merseyside Police with managing traffic and cordons and liaised with the building manager to arrange a maintenance team to attend.
Ongoing incident and police presence
"Merseyside Police are now in attendance, with Norton Street closed between London Road and Islington. A further cordon is being put in place between Islington and Low Hill. The incident is ongoing, please avoid the area if possible."
Liverpool City Council has been approached for comment.
