Two workmen had a lucky escape when a roof collapsed while they took their lunch break.

The roof of a flat above the Tottenham Town Bakery in West Green Road fell in on Friday.

Builders had left the property for lunch and there was nobody in the residential part of the building.

Firefighters from the Urban Search and Rescue team (USAR) who specialise in assessing and shoring-up collapsed structures are examining the building.

Many of the homes and businesses in the terraced street, near Seven Sisters Tube station, were evacuated and a 70ft security cordon was set up.

Tottenham fire station manager Daniel Alie, who was at the scene, said: “There is a lot of damage to the roof and upper area of the building but thankfully no injuries. If anyone had been in the loft or on the top floor when the roof caved in, it could have been a very different story.

“Our specialist USAR firefighters and officers from Haringey Council’s building control have been inspecting the damage to see if the affected building or those nearby are structurally sound.”

One fire engine and an aerial ladder platform from Tottenham fire station attended the incident.