Minster forced to close due to 'loose' stonework

The area around Hull Minster has been partially closed after stonework on the roof became loose.

Humberside Fire and Rescue were called to the building at 13:10 GMT on Saturday after concerns were raised by a member of the public.

Officers used an aerial ladder platform and rescue support unit to cut a stone finial, which was 32ft (10m) above the ground, down to a "safe level".

The minster later confirmed it had moved its Sunday services to St Mary's Lowgate.

A post on the Hull Minster Facebook page said: "Sorry Hull…one of our finials has come loose."

Officials also thanked the "eagle eyed" member of the public for reporting it and the council staff, police and the fire service, who came to help.

Last year, the minster celebrated its 600th anniversary, and said a survey had found "no major issues with the fabric of the building".

The fire service said the loose finial was on the north-west corner of the minster. The authority said they had now passed the matter on to the council.

Listen to highlights fromHull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look Northor tell us about a story you think we should be coveringhere.

Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices