IT was a close call for one Isle of Wight woman, as well as other pedestrians, when brickwork came crashing down in Newport Town Centre this morning (Saturday).

Emma Davis, 44, and her six-year-old son Max were in the area when the wall above the former Favian barbers on Pyle Street collapsed.  

The fallen debris has since been cleared and a police cordon has been erected at Pyle Street’s junction with St James’ Street.

Speaking on her experience, Cowes resident Emma told the County Press: “We’d just walked out the back door of TK Maxx and heard a noise which sounded like an explosion.

“Then we saw the debris, and saw a lady jump out of the way.

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The scene in Newport this afternoon. The scene in Newport this afternoon. (Image: Contributed) “The dust came back as far as where we were standing.

“It was all so sudden, but it looked like she was really lucky. I spoke to a woman in the bookshop opposite and we both agreed it was a close one.

“From the pictures I’ve seen, it looks like more came down after the initial crash.

The scene in Newport this morning.The scene in Newport this morning. (Image: Contributed) “When we walked past, it was just the panel to the righthand side of the window which had come down.”

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary was alerted at around 10.30am and officers were called to assist with road closures.

They remain at the scene this afternoon.