DRAMATIC scenes hit Manningtree as the side of a house collapsed. Police were called to Manningtree High Street after the drama unfolded on Saturday morning when a large part of a house fell on to the pavement.

DRAMATIC scenes hit Manningtree as the side of a house collapsed.

Police were called to Manningtree High Street after the drama unfolded on Saturday morning when a large part of a house fell on to the pavement.

Luckily no-one was hurt by the hundreds of falling bricks.

Diversions for traffic were put in place and a scaffolding company shored up the semi-detached historic house.

Both ends of the High Street were closed to traffic as the repair work was carried out.

The householder, Micky Rimmington, was not hurt in the incident, but kind-hearted neighbours have been looking after the pensioner since it happened.

It is thought the heavy rain during the last few days may have caused the problem.

Tony Pennell, who lives nearby, said the close-knit community had pulled together to help Mrs Rimmington.

He said: “It came totally out of the blue, but the lady living at the house was actually unaware it had happened.

“I think many of the elderly properties on the High Street have a Georgian façade over the lath and plaster which is very dry underneath.

“The builders next-door came to help and the close-knit community came together to do what they had to do.”

The road was reopened to traffic later in the day.