Rathcoole: Flats evacuated after 'partial collapse' of roof

Firefighters are the scene in the Rathcoole estate

Two blocks of flats have been evacuated after the roof of a building partially collapsed in the Rathcoole housing estate in County Antrim.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said they were called to the Green End area of the estate at 16:42 BST on Friday.

Residents of 16 flats were asked to leave the complex while the damage to the building is assessed.

Temporary accommodation is being organised for those who need shelter.

"There seems to be an issue with brickwork and flagstones on the top of the building," NIFRS Group Commander Paul Rogers told BBC News NI.

He said flagstones with a metal covering "seem to have dropped inwards towards the roof itself".

A close-up view of the damaged roof

Mr Rogers added that brickwork now appeared be "bowed" due to the metal covering falling onto the flat roof.

He said he was not aware of any injuries.

Three fire appliances and an aerial platform were deployed to the scene and police officers have cordoned off the street.

The local council is organising a temporary rest area for affected residents and the Housing Executive has given them information about alternative accomomdation.

'Massive bang'

One young woman was visibly upset as she spoke to BBC News NI at the scene.

This woman had to leave her flat at short notice

She said she lives on the top floor in the middle of the building and was scared by a very loud noise on Friday afternoon.

"We had been home for 15 minutes and there was a massive bang," she said.

She had to quickly grab her pet cats and some belongings.

Local assembly member Phillip Brett from the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) described the roof collapse as a "hugely shocking incident".

"A lot of these residents have just been coming home from work and they've heard a large noise coming from above them", he said.

"People have lifted their animals and a few items and that's all they've been able to get.

"We're trying to work out if we can get them back in to get some necessary items because, as you can see from the damage behind me, it will be a few days before they will be able to get back in at least."

Residents gathered outside while the building was examined

Resident Herbie Irvine told BBC News NI that he saw a "commotion" outside and a short time later firefighters arrived at his flat.

"I wasn't sure what it was, when next thing the firemen came bashing the door and said: 'You have to get out immediately, the roof has collapsed.'

"So I just threw a few things in a case and here I am," he said.

"From what I'm led to believe, the Housing Executive are getting accommodation for those who have nowhere else to go.

"I'm fine, I can go to family and stay, but that's all the information we know. We don't know what the damage has done or what is happening," Mr Irvine added.

"The fireman said: 'You'd definitely be out tonight.' but they're waiting on a structural engineer apparently to come and have a look at the roof.

"But by the look of it, it doesn't look too good."

Herbie Irvine said residents had very little information about the incident

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said its officers were "in attendance at an ongoing incident" in Rathcoole.

They have asked motorists to avoid the area until further notice.

A spokesman for the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) confirmed its staff had not been called to the incident.

NIFRS said the local council was organising a temporary rest area for affected residents.

The Housing Executive has also given them information about alternative accommodation.

It tweeted: "Our team is on-site in Green End, Rathcoole assisting residents impacted by the incident this afternoon.

"Any households who may be affected and have not spoken to us this evening can call us 03448 920908."