BUS stops in a busy road in Colchester town centre have been closed after concrete fell from a building in the street.

Essex Police closed Head Street for about nine hours on Thursday due to concerns for the safety of the public.

Witnesses say a piece of concrete fell from one of the buildings in the street on to the pavement below at about 9am.

Essex Fire Service and Colchester Council's building control team spent hours at the scene ensuring the area was safe.

The council confirmed the road reopened at about 6pm, however, scaffolding has been put up in the area and some restrictions for pedestrians and traffic remain in place.

A number of bus companies have posted on social media to say the bus stops in Head Street are closed.

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Chambers Bus said: "Due to an incident in Head Street, Colchester, yesterday all stops in Head Street have been closed.

"Please use High Street and Osborne Street stops. Our sincerest apologies."

A Colchester Council spokesperson said on Thursday evening: “Scaffolding is being erected to the building and while the road is now reopen there will be restrictions around the area of the building for vehicles and pedestrians.

"We thank everyone for their patience during this situation.”