'It felt and sounded like an earthquake'

WITNESSES have spoken of their shock after part of a building being demolished collapsed in Manchester city centre - describing how they initially thought it was an earthquake.

- By JOHN SCHEERHOUT

The building, Alberton House off Bridge Street, is understood to have been scheduled for demolition. Part of it collapsed yesterday afternoon with scaffolding sent crashing into the River Irwell.

One person who works nearby said there was a 'strong earthquake-like feeling' and that surrounding buildings were evacuated, with firefighters at the scene.

Another witness added: “We were shaking and we didn't know if the building was coming down, then we saw the plumes of dust.”