Scaffolding falls off city tower

The piece of scaffolding fell from the top of the tower

Scaffolding that fell off a building under construction in Birmingham city centre caused rush hour traffic chaos.

A police spokesman said it happened at about 1530 GMT on Thursday at Beetham Tower on Holloway Circus.

No-one was injured but traffic diversions were put in place while the building was secured and examined by the Health & Safety Executive.

Traffic on Bristol and Suffolk streets was prevented from entering the city centre, but roads were later re-opened.

An investigation into how the scaffolding fell from the building is under way.

Sagid Mahmood, 29, manager of Skippers Fish Bar on Bristol Street, said he heard a loud noise.

"I heard a massive crash but didn't pay much attention because cars are always crashing there", he said.

'Shops closed'

"A man came into the shop and said a building had fallen down and to come and have a look.

"I saw concrete on the ground and after about 10 minutes the police came.

"Lots of people and shopkeepers from Smallbrook Queensway came in to the shop because they had to close."

Due for completion later this year, Beetham Tower will be Birmingham's tallest building.

The 39-floor tower will include 160 apartments, a hotel and health club.