A BMW car was flattened and homes were evacuated after a block of flats collapsed in Leigh during a night of devastating storms.

Amazingly no one was hurt when part of the Alexandra Court building in Wilkinson Street fell on top of the car just after 7.45pm on Tuesday.

Firefighters from Atherton Fire Station and police were called to the two-storey block of four flats and 10 residents were evacuated from the building.

Charlie Schofield, who lives nearby in Twist Lane, made refreshments for the fire and police and offered her home to those who needed it. She said: “My husband and I were watching the England versus France football game and we heard a horrific bang.

"With everything that is going on in the news, I assumed the worst. My husband Stuart Schofield ran to the window and informed me of rubble in the road and a flattened BMW. That is when neighbours started gathering outside.

"A resident of the apartment said he had heard rocks tumble and saw the bricks leaning days ago but didn’t report it. It could have been a lot worse but luckily everyone is ok and safe.”

Watch manager Andy Leyland from Atherton Fire Station said the road was closed following the collapse.

Mr Leyland said: “The damage was definitely due to the strong winds and rain. The BMW was flattened from parts of the front of the building falling on it. We know that it belonged to another resident in the street, although he did not live in the block of flats.

“We had to cordon off the road because even when we arrived, the front of the building was still falling on to the street.”

A spokesperson for Wigan Council said: “Wilkinson Street at its junction with Twist Lane and Boughey Street at its junction with Gregory Street remain closed. Our Highways team were called at 9.30pm last night and were there until 1am.

A building inspector from Wigan Council declared that half of the building was safe for residents to return to at about 11pm on Tuesday.

Four people were left unable to re-enter their apartments and arrangements were made for them to stay with neighbours or family members.

A building inspector from Wigan Council visited the building on Wednesday morning.

Mike Worden, assistant director for planning and transport, said: “Officers from the council attended the scene of a partially collapsed building in Leigh and have secured the building. All residents are safe and we are hopeful that the residents who have not been able to return will be able to do so soon. The road is temporarily closed for safety reasons.”