A BAY window has collapsed from the front of a Kemp Town pub.

The Kings Arms Hostel and Bar in George Street, Brighton, was undergoing building works when the entire left bay window, on the top floor of the building, fell at approximately 11am.

It is thought builders were replacing a window when the concrete behind it also came away.

John Bellingham, who runs MBI Sound and Light on Edward Street, Brighton, said: “It looks like they had been replacing the window with a new one, but that caused the whole thing to go.”

George Street is a busy side street that runs between Edward Street and St James Street, which receives plenty of footfall.

There were no reports of anyone being hurt.

The street had been cordoned off and businesses in the cordoned off area have closed while the area is closed.

Teresa Pope, from Whitehawk, got off the bus she was on to see what had happened. She said: “You don’t expect this to happen at all.

“Someone said the building inside had collapsed, and you just don’t know what’s happening.

“These are all old buildings – the ceiling fell through in the kitchen of the pub 30 years ago so maybe it has structural problems.”

Mr Bellingham added: “I spoke to one of the builders, who said how much it weighed.

“It’s fallen on top of the scaffolding – it’s so lucky the scaffolding has held it.

“If a bolt were to go, the whole thing could cascade down – especially with the weight up there.”

A spokeswoman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue service said: "We were called at 10.40am to reports of an unsafe structure on George Street, Brighton. 

"We currently have crews at the scene. 

"A bay window has fallen out on to scaffolding causing severe damage.  The building has been evacuated.  

"George Street has been closed and we are advising the public to avoid the area if possible."