Roof collapses at bungalow in Newport

Emergency services arrived at the scene on Forton Road, shortly after 8.30am, after neighbours reported hearing a loud bang.

Fire crews searched through the debris and used thermal imaging cameras to determine whether anyone may have been trapped among the rubble.

They found the building to have been empty when it caved in and left the scene just before 10.30am.

National Grid and British Gas sent workers out to make energy supplies safe.

A neighbour who did not wish to be named said: "I heard a big bang about 8am. I think one of those big lorries has come past and vibrated it down."

Another eyewitness said: "I could see a few policemen looking around when I realised that half of the building was missing.

"It looks like it has previously been alight but there weren't any flames when I went past."

Jani Treagust who lives in nearby Avondale said: "It was a proper bungalow but I think it was being sold as a development site. It had been on the market for about two years if not longer.

"I came down about 8.50am and I couldn't get past because there were so many police cars."

Janet Booth who lives opposite said: "I opened the curtains at about 8.45am and there were two police cars and three policemen and I thought what's going on.

"Then the next minute there was four fire engines. It was a bit of a shock. It has been derelict for a while.

"Originally what he wanted to do was knock it down and build two five bedroom houses on it."

Chris Ammonds, West Mercia Police spokesperson said: "It was more that the roof caved in rather than the house collapsed.

"Fire and ambulance crews were at the property but no-one appeared to be trapped inside."

Some traffic disruption was caused while emergency service vehicles were at the scene.