Home collapses after council dig

Contractors dug up land near the five bedroom house

Council bosses are investigating why they had to demolish a house, just a day after contractors were digging on nearby land.

Rushmoor Borough Council has begun an investigation into the collapse of the five-bedroom house in Aldershot, Hampshire.

Roop Sampla, his wife Nashatro and their two sons, had to leave the house and all their possessions after cracks appeared in the walls.

Council contractors were digging near the house in order to remove bushes a day before the building collapsed.

Roop Sampla: "We don't want charity"

The council said it carried out a controlled demolition on the property, but refused to comment on the cause of the collapse until its investigations have been completed.

The family, who have been put up in a local hotel by the council, face months in temporary accommodation.

John Edwards from Rushmoor council said: "We just don't know how this happened.

"We know there was work done to tidy up the land nearby but we don't know whether this was actually the cause."

Family's anger

Mr Edwards admitted the work was "pretty close to the house".

"Our main priority is to look after the family - we are keen to give them all the support they need."

However, referring to the help offered, Mr Sampla, said: "We don't want help, we don't want charity.

"We work all our lives, that's what we've got, we've achieved it and we want it back."