Scaffolding in Southsea collapses onto cars

Scaffolding on a hotel in Portsmouth has collapsed and crushed six parked cars.

It is believed strong winds brought down the scaffolding and railings on The Royal Beach Hotel in St Helen's Parade, Southsea just after 08:00 BST.

Hampshire Police said no-one was in the vehicles when the scaffolding fell and there were no injuries.

The area around Alhambra Road has been cordoned off while a structural engineer carries out safety checks.

The scaffolding was in place up to the fifth floor of the hotel for it to be painted.

Driver Barry Fleming, who only passed his driving test last week, owned one of the cars crushed by the falling scaffolding.

He said: "Thank goodness nobody was killed, that's the main thing.

"But I'm a bit upset about the car. I haven't been allowed to get under there to have a good look but I think it's a write-off."