Tower demolition sets new record

The tower block was the 17th to go in Hackney

A tower block demolition in Hackney has put the borough in the record books.

The 20-storey Sandridge Court on the Kings Crescent Estate was the 17th high-rise to be brought down by explosives.

It sets a new European record for the number of towers collapsed in a single borough.

The successful explosion was triggered by actress Patsy Palmer, alias Bianca from Eastenders, who pressed the plunger with a local school pupil Humyra Bakas.

The 20 storey building was reduced to rubble

Liz Wilson, chairwoman of the estate committee said: "I'm really excited. It's such a spectacular event and the demolition of the tower block takes us another step closer to making Kings Crescent a better place to live, work and play."

More than 400 households within a 100-metre exclusion zone were evacuated.

The demolition used 50kg of explosives and 1,700 non-electric detonating charges.

It was estimated that it would produce 15,000 tonnes of rubble.

The team behind each of Hackney's 17 tower demolitions was the company Controlled Demolition Group.

Controlled Demolition Group's Managing Director Darren Palin said: "We have blown down over 500 structures worldwide and have worked with just about every authority in the UK - but Hackney Borough Council must be our most loyal customer.

"We have developed an excellent working relationship with the Hackney team and we look forward to a 17th job well done!"