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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Sophie McLaughlin

Rathcoole: Residents evacuated from their homes after roof collapses at apartment blocks

Residents have been evacuated from their homes on Friday evening after the roof of an apartment block collapsed on Friday evening.

Emergency services are in attendance at the Green End area of Rathcoole and motorists have been asked to avoid the area.

Police are advising that the incident is ongoing.

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A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland said: "Police in Newtownabbey are in attendance at an ongoing incident in Greenend area of Rathcoole.

"Police are requesting that drivers avoid the area until further notice."

Scene in Rathcoole (Phillip Brett)

North Belfast MLA Phillip Brett told Belfast Live that two apartment blocks have now been evacuated and that residents will be provided with temporary accommodation for the weekend.

Taking to social media, the DUP MLA said: "Here in Rathcoole with residents, who are currently being evacuated from a number of blocks at Green End Flats following the collapse of the roof.

"Please avoid the area.

"We are working with the Housing Executive to secure temporary accommodation for those impacted.

"Any residents requiring any help, support or advice, please get in touch."

Speaking to Belfast Live, the NIFRS said they have appliances currently at the scene.

A spokesperson said: "We can't make a judgement on what damage has been done to the roof itself.

"We have evacuated the building and it is now cleared and we believe those people are being taken to a rest centre by Belfast City Council."

There are believed to be no injuries reported from the incident.

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