Couple escape as house collapses

A car parked outside the house was crushed by falling masonry

An elderly couple were forced to flee their Tyneside home after the side of it came crashing down into the street.

The gable end of the terraced property in Theresa Street, Blaydon, had become weakened after being soaked during the stormy weather.

Raymond Tones and his wife Kate, both 80, escaped unhurt on Monday, but their neighbour's BMW, which was parked outside, was crushed.

Loss adjustors are now assessing the damage with Gateshead Council.

It is thought that the exposed position of the gable end and the continuous heavy rain led to the saturation of the lime mortar, causing it to collapse.

Mr Tones said: "All of a sudden I heard a bang and the house shook, so I jumped up and I went down and saw all the damage."

Mrs Tones added: "I wasn't focusing, I knew it was terrible.

"I went to the neighbours across the street, had a cup of tea and tried to settle down, but it wasn't easy."

The area has been cordoned off as it is not yet known whether the rest of the house is in danger of collapse.

The couple, who have lived at the address for more than 50 years are now staying with their son.