A PASSER-BY had a lucky escape when she narrowly avoided being crushed by falling bricks yesterday.

A woman was nearly struck by a pack of bricks and debris crumbling from the parapet of a three-storey building on Market Place, Wantage, where Lloyds TSB is based.

One local Ruth Mccrohon, who witnessed the incident that happened at 3pm, said: "No one was hurt but falling masonry narrowly missed a lady who was walking past the charity shop towards the TSB Bank and its cash point."

Shocked observers instantly called Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the police.

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Arriving at the scene, firefighters were met with debris scattered over the pavement and road.

The area was cordoned off to keep people away and safe.

The incident commander commented: "This could have been a more significant incident had the stone hit anybody.

"The crew were quick to make the area safe and were grateful no one suffered any injuries."