AROUND 20 people were evacuated from a property in Bournemouth on Monday night as heavy rain and high winds swept across the area.

The residents were led to safety from the building in St Michael's Road after falling masonry was reported by a passer-by.

All the residents were able to find alternative accommodation for the night. The alert was sparked at around midnight and the operation included police, fire and officials from Bournemouth council. Inspector Steve White from Dorset Police said: "There was a partial building collapse and a number of people were evacuated for their own safety."

He said structural engineers would be inspecting the property today.

Meanwhile plywood boarding was blown loose from a building site at the Metro Palace Court Hotel which is under renovation in nearby Westover Road.

  • Dorset residents were on flood alert on Monday night as weather forecasters predicted heavy downpours.

Purbeck residents living close to the River Frome were warned of possible flooding if recent downpours continue.

More than 35mm of rainfall on Sunday has led to a level-two flood warning being issued by the Environment Agency, concerning a stretch of the river between East Stoke and Wareham.

The areas that could be affected include Rushton Farm, Holme Bridge and Stoborough.