Mothercare shoppers had to be led to safety when a building containing a branch of the maternity specialist collapsed in Bishop Auckland, County Durham.

Durham Fire Service told the BBC that staff at the three-storey Newgate Street Mothercare store reported a “cracking noise” before a rear section of the building collapsed.

Two adjoining buildings were also evacuated.

There were no injuries, according to a fire service spokeswoman. The area has been cordoned off to allow a structural survey.

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