Storm Brendan blows down tower block scaffolding onto Chelsfield Lane

The reported 10-storey scaffolding was ripped down by strong winds brought in by Storm Brendan at around 8:30pm last night (January 14), and is now lying over the tower's car park and onto Chelsfield Lane, which has been closed.

No injuries have been reported, and whilst emergency services were on the scene at Chelsfield Lane quickly blocking off the road, they have had to wait for the winds to ease before starting to clear away the debris.

A resident living in the tower block affected said there had been weekly checks on the scaffolding to ensure it was safe, but at around 8:30pm last night the strong winds had succeeded in bringing the structure down.

The scaffolding, which was set up to repair balconies, was attached to bricks within the tower, and the wind managed to remove some of these brings, bringing it down onto some cars below.

Emergency services are reportedly on site now clearly the debris away. The Met Police said in a statement that they had closed Skittle Hill Lane and Chelsfield Lane, but there had been no injuries.

Storm Brendan has caused travel chaos across the UK this week, with nearly 200 flood alerts issued nationwide due to high tides and 80mph winds reported in parts of Scotland and England.

Last night, strong winds saw driving restrictions enforced on the QEII Bridge at the Dartford Crossing, and flood alerts were in place in Dartford, Gravesend, Greenhithe, Crayford and Northfleet.

KCC Highways last night deployed chainsaw gangs to clear larger trees in roads. The effects of Storm Brendan are expected to continue throughout today.