The boss of a Norwich-based charity has today told of his relief that no-one was hurt after a wall collapsed.

As these pictures show it was a miracle no-one was seriously injured when the 25ft long wall at the Hamlet Centre, which helps adults and children with special needs, suddenly gave way.

Bricks and masonry covered the pavement and fell into the road damaging one car that was parked near to the Hamlet Centre.

Four fire crews, three from Norwich and one from Sprowston, were called to the collapsed wall at Ella Road, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, just before 12.50pm yesterday.

Police also attended and helped fire crews clear the rubble and make the area safe until further assessments of the state of the remainder of the wall can be made by a structural engineer.

Michael Rooney, chief executive of the Hamlet Centre, said: 'Obviously the first thing is we're just grateful that no-one was hurt. That was the prime concern - that no-one was hurt.

'It's caused a bit of disruption to the local neighbourhood, which isn't good, but we're trying to do everything we can.'

Mr Rooney said they would be arranging for some security fencing to be put in place around the area where the wall collapsed to ensure the property remains safe and secure until something more permanent can be arranged.

The Hamlet Centre has contacted the insurance company to inform them of what had happened to the wall.

Mr Rooney added: 'This is a bit of a blow. But the most imporant thing is no-one was hurt - walls are repairable.'

Watch manager Andrew Bilton from Bethel Street Fire Station, said it was fortunate no-one was hurt as a result of the collapse.

He said: 'We got called to a wall that had collapsed but no persons were hurt. We came along to make the area safe. I think the wind has caught it and taken it down.'

As previously reported the Hamlet Centre has unveiled ambitious plans for a new �1.3m centre in Norwich.

The charity has teamed up with the St Raphael Club in Johnson Place to turn the venue into a new base for its children's activities and services.

The revamp will allow the charity to expand the help support and activities it offers to children while at the same time freeing up more room at the Ella Road centre for it to improve its adult services.

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