Three town centre businesses were evacuated this afternoon after masonry above them fell into the street.

Police and fire crews were called at around 3pm to Broadway, Sheerness, after somebody was almost hit by a falling piece.

Customers and staff from the Sheerness Travel Agency, JJ’s Second Hand shop and John Frewin opticians were led from the premises so firefighters could make checks.

Witness Joe Burn, 50, said: “It just missed somebody - they were about five metres away. There was such a loud bang.”

A fire service spokesman said all remaining loose bricks were cleared. Broadway was closed to traffic while the area was made safe.