A Stoke-on-Trent building was partially demolished due to 'imminent danger of collapse'.

The work was ordered following an emergency inspection of the Furlong Lane building in Middleport, which resulted in road closures.

The stretch along Furlong Lane and Supreme Street were closed late Tuesday night and remained closed into Wednesday. A large amount of debris was still scattered on the pavement in the cordoned off section on Furlong Lane.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Jane Ashworth said: "136 Furlong Lane will be partly demolished. An emergency inspection revealed it is in imminent danger of collapse. Furlong Lane, and the corner of Supreme Street, will be closed for several hours."

Neighbours were unsure what prompted the move. Henry Cooper said: "I'm not sure about it to be honest. All I know is that I went to work last night and it was fine and I came back this morning and half of it was missing."

Residents said work crews arrived around 9.30pm on Tuesday 24 March and finished at 3am. It is understood the owners of the building will be charged by Stoke-on-Trent City Council for the demolition works.

Sophie Edge said: "From what I understand, someone called the council saying the building was dangerous but I don't know much more than that. I think it's had some work done recently."

A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: "We received reports from residents of a crack appearing in the building on Furlong Lane, Middleport. Our Dangerous Structures team immediately assessed the situation and deemed the building unsafe with immediate effect.

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"Yesterday evening (Tuesday 24 March) Furlong Lane and Supreme Street were closed and a partial demolition of the building was made. Further works were carried out today to ensure there are no further issues.

"Residents close to the site were given temporary accommodation and have since been allowed to return home.

"We will be working urgently with the building owner to ensure the site is kept secure and tidy, and to recover any costs incurred. Our priority is ensuring the surrounding area is safe for public access.

"Our legal powers in this situation are limited, but we will use all those we available to ensure the building is made safe and the road can reopen."