HOUSEHOLDERS told the Globe of their shock as two derelict buildings collapsed into the street last night.

Kings Street in Wallasey resembled a “war zone” after shops with flats above came tumbling down at around 7.50pm, spreading debris and rubble across the road.

Surveyors are now examining the site to determine the cause of the collapse.

Posters on the Globe’s Facebook claimed the terrace had been in a dangerous state for years.

One said: “This was an accident waiting to happen.”

Eight people were evacuated in the immediate aftermath, all bar one making their own arrangements for overnight accommodation.

They have all been allowed to return to their homes this morning.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: “The street looks like a war zone. I have never seen anything like it

“It’s a good job nobody was walking past at the time or they’d have been a goner.”

A neighbour recalled the lucky escape he had after the buildings collapsed.

Recalling the moment the buildings collapsed, Mr Roberts said: “I heard what sounded like a ceiling collapsing in the adjacent building and a couple of minutes later the front of the building just fell down.

“I decided to get out of the flat to see if anyone was injured.

“Luckily, no one had been. It was a very lucky escape for anyone who happened to be walking along Kings Street today - this could have happened at any time.

“The collapse could have dragged my wall down with it.

“I’m going back into the flat this morning to see what damage has been caused.”

The buildings were owned by Wirral Council, who bought the terrace as part of a renewal scheme several years ago.

A town hall spokesman said building control inspectors were expected to remain on scene for the rest of today to assess the damage.

An adjoining building has been demolished this morning as it was clearly unsafe.

It is not yet known whether any more will have to be bulldozed.

None of the properties were occupied and it appears nobody was injured.

Graham Burgess, chief executive of Wirral Council, said: ‘"Investigations will continue as to the cause but it is too early to say yet.

‘I would like to pay tribute to the council and emergency services who acted so swiftly, and to residents who will have been affected.

"This was another great example of multi-agency response to an incident, and I would like to thank everyone who acted so swiftly, professionally and effectively last night."

In view of the number of readers who have posted on our Facebook that they feel the buildings had been left to rot, the Globe pressed Wirral Council's cabinet member for housing for an explanation.

In an emailed statement, Cllr George Davies said: "‘I would like to echo the praise for council and emergency services who acted so quickly and professionally last night, and also pay tribute to neighbours who will have been directly affected.

"I am glad to hear they are back in their homes, and relieved that there were no casualties.

"An investigation is currently being carried out.

"Until that it complete, it would be unhelpful to comment further."

Kings Street is now fully open to traffic although pedestrian access is not available on the side of these properties.

The bottom end of Rudgrave Place is closed off to traffic and will remain so during the duration of the site clearance at least.

Merseyside Fire and Rescue crews remained at the scene until around midnight.

The service sent three fire engines, a special rescue team and the incident management unit.

More information as we get it.