An Elim church in Sunderland has partially collapsed in strong winds.

Hundreds of bricks from the gable end of New Springs City Church came crashing down during 70 mile per hour winds which swept across the region during Storm Arwen.

The church’s Pastor, Nathan Weaver told Premier it happened at about two o’clock on Saturday morning, with thankfully nobody nearby at the time. 

The wall collapsed into the car park which has been cordoned off. 

Pastor Weaver says the building itself is still very safe and services would go ahead as planned.

A post on Facebook advised church-goers to wrap up warm when attending services as the collapse of the gable end would make it colder inside the building.   

Storm Arwen brought havoc to parts of the UK over the weekend, with the north and east particularly badly affected. Three people were killed by falling trees as wind-speeds of almost 100mph were recorded in parts of the UK. Thousands of homes were also left without power, motorists stranded and trains cancelled. 

Storm Arwen is the first storm of the 2021-2022 season to be named by the Met Office.