Tamworth Morrisons ‘evacuated’ live after ‘water seeps in from supermarket roof’

VaselineMay 22, 2024

0 3 minutes read

Tamworth Morrisons ‘evacuated’ live after ‘water seeps in from supermarket roof’

A branch of Morrisons was evacuated this morning after “water came in” from the roof of the supermarket as heavy rain fell. Shoppers said they were rushed out of the supermarket in Wilncecote, Tamworth.

The store was closed following the incident and shoppers were refused entry. Footage later showed the branch closed and the shutters down.

A mother, who chose not to be named, told BirminghamLive: “We were there when the roof collapsed and we were evacuated. I was in the back of the store when it happened.

“(Morrisons) made an announcement and rang the fire alarm. The staff took us to the door to clean the building and when I got to the front I could see where the water was pouring.

READ MORE: Rain in Birmingham lives on as torrential downpours wreak havoc on rush hour travel

“I didn’t know what was going on at first. The staff were worried about getting everyone out quickly. I’m fine, I just wasn’t expecting it this morning.”

A message posted on the Tamworth Matters Facebook page said: “Warning! Morrisons closed due to roof collapse”.

Morrisons staff outside the store dismissed suggestions posted on social media that the roof had “fallen in”, but instead said it was “leaking badly”. We have contacted the Morrisons press office and the fire service for comment on this incident.

This is breaking news. Follow our live blog below for updates.

14:19Harry Leach

Morrison’s statement is awaited

We have contacted Morrisons for comment on this shocking incident and to find out when the store, based in Wilncecote, Tamworth, will reopen.

We expect to hear back from the supermarket giant later today.

13:56Harry Leach

Morrisons staff closed the front doors

Morrisons staff were photographed closing the store’s front doors on customers.

Shoppers who came to the store after the flooding incident were turned away after trying to gain access to the supermarket.

Morrisons staff closed the store doors (Image: BirminghamLive)

13:20Harry Leach

Panic as Morrisons shoppers evicted – story so far

Shoppers were evacuated from a Morrisons branch in Tamworth this morning after “water came in” from the supermarket’s roof.

The store, based in Marlborough Way, Wilncecote, has been closed following the incident with no indication of when it will reopen.

Morrisons staff outside the branch have dismissed speculation online and some witnesses are reporting the roof has “collapsed”, telling BirminghamLive it is just “leaking badly”.

Click here to read what we know so far.

Tamworth Morrisons (Image: BirminghamLive)

13:10Harry Leach

When will the store reopen?

It is not clear at this stage when the store will reopen. However, one mother, who claimed her daughter works at the branch, said it would be a “big cleaning job”.

The store remains closed at this time.

12:53 p.mHarry Leach

The video shows staff cleaning the water out the back door

New video, filmed by BirminghamLive, shows Morrison staff sweeping water from the store’s fire exit. Watch the clip below:

Tamworth Morrisons staff clear flood water from store

12:35 p.mHarry Leach

What did Morrisons say?

Morrisons staff outside the store dismissed suggestions posted on social media that the roof had “castrated”, but instead said it was “leaking badly”.

We have contacted the Morrisons press office and the fire service for comment on this incident.

12:25 p.mKey event

The staff sweeps the water from the store

Staff were pictured sweeping up flooding water from inside Morrisons. It comes after shoppers claimed part of the supermarket’s roof had fallen.

Staff sweep rainwater from inside Morrisons(Image: BirminghamLive)

12:16 p.mHarry Leach

Morrisons is closing following the incident

The store was closed following the incident and shoppers were refused entry. Pictures showed the branch closed and the shutters closed.

Tamworth Morrisons closed this morning after shoppers were evacuated (Image: BirminghamLive)

12:11 p.mHarry Leach

A strange image shows the interior of an empty supermarket

This strange photo, taken by BirminghamLive, shows the inside of the evacuated Morrisons. Shoppers were rushed out of the store after water apparently poured from the supermarket’s roof.

Inside Tamworth Morrisons following the incident (Image: BirminghamLive)

12:03 p.mKey event

Witness says he “poured water”

A mother who was evacuated at the store told BirminghamLive: “We were there when the roof collapsed and we were evacuated. I was in the back of the store when it happened.

“(Morrisons) made an announcement and rang the fire alarm. The staff took us to the door to clean the building and when I got to the front I could see where the water was pouring out.”

11:59Key event