People trapped after balcony collapses at London’s Apollo theatre

People are trapped after part of a balcony at London’s Apollo theatre apparently collapsed, according to eyewitnesses.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time was playing at the Shaftesbury Avenue venue.

London Fire Brigade tweeted: “Eight fire engines are attending an incident at a theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue in #Soho. It’s believed a balcony has collapsed. More soon.”

Eyewitnesses said they saw people being escorted out of the building, some bleeding and covered in debris.

Halfway through the first half of the performance, part of the balcony started creaking before a section of the theatre collapsed. Audience members assumed the noise was part of the show.

People left the building crying, coughing and helping each other away. Many were trying to make contact with family members as some were still trapped inside the building.

Police confirmed they were called to the theatre shortly after 8.15pm, with a Metropolitan Police spokesman confirming there were “multiple casualties”.

A spokesman said: “There is a report of a collapse in the building itself.

“It is believed some people may have been injured in the collapse, which occurred during a performance of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-time.

Martin Bostock, who was in the theatre, told Sky News: “I was in the stalls with my family in the early stages of the show.

“I think the front part of the balcony fell down. At first we thought it was part of the show, it was very dramatic.

“We got out with cuts and bruises, I think most people did.”

More to follow…