RESIDENTS were shocked when a fifth-floor window fell out of a block of flats onto the pavement below.

The window smashed onto the ground in front of an apartment block in Connaught Road, Hove, after gust of wind apparently blew it off its hinges just before 8am today.

Witness Dave Hamilton said it was lucky no one was hurt since many pupils of West Hove Infant School could have been walking down the road when the window fell.

He said: "There was broken glass and a mangled grey window frame on the pavement.

"It was very unusual, the wind wasn't particularly strong at the time.

"I've never seen anything like it.

It is understood Brighton and Hove City Council has now cleaned up the broken window and the resident of the flat has been advised to not keep their windows open.

A spokesman for the council said: "We are relieved that nobody was injured by this incident.

"A member of our building control team has visited the premises to look at whether the building as a whole may be dangerous. He was satisfied that the building is not dangerous.

"However, he also spoke to the managing agents of the building about the incident and was assured that appropriate action would be taken."