The jib of a crane on a Sir Robert McAlpine site in London collapsed at 9.30 this morning

Buildings in central London have been evacuated following the partial collapse of a crane on a Sir Robert McAlpine site.

The jib of the crane at New Street Square near Chancery Lane was reported to have collapsed at 9.33 this morning.

The London Fire Brigade said it had not heard of any fatalities. A spokesman said: “The surrounding area has been evacuated. The fire brigade is in meetings to discuss what we might need to do.”

The mixed use office building on Pemberton Row is being developed by Land Securities and was designed by Bennetts Associates.