Strong winds from Storm Amy caused the front of a Discount Booze store in Anfield to collapse on Saturday morning, scattering a large amount of debris across a major road. Emergency services have cordoned off the area at the junction of Walton Breck Road and Blessington Road. No casualties have been reported.
A second, previously condemned property on the same road also sustained further damage, with protective hoardings being torn away by the wind, causing more debris to fall. The incidents are part of wider disruption across Liverpool as the storm continues to impact the region.
Key Takeaways
- The front of a Discount Booze store in Anfield has partially collapsed due to high winds from Storm Amy.
- A nearby house, deemed unsafe in August, also lost protective barriers, adding to debris on Walton Breck Road.
- Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service confirmed no injuries have been reported from the incidents.
- Emergency services, including police and council engineers, are at the scene managing the situation.
- The storm has caused significant travel disruption across Merseyside, affecting trains, buses, and ferries.
Emergency Response at Anfield Collapse
Emergency services were called to the scene in Anfield shortly after 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 4. Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service dispatched three fire engines and a search and rescue team, who arrived within five minutes of the call.
Crews discovered a partial collapse of the front fascia of the Discount Booze off-licence. The force of the collapse sent a significant amount of debris, including wood, bricks, and stonework, into the roadway.
A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed that a search of the area found no casualties. A cordon was immediately established around the junction of Walton Breck Road, Blessington Road, and Sleepers Hill to ensure public safety.
Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council's highways department are assisting with road closures and traffic management. A structural engineer from the council is also on-site to assess the building's stability and determine the next steps.
Incident Timeline
- Approx. 11:00 AM: Emergency services receive a call about a building collapse.
- Approx. 11:05 AM: Fire crews arrive on the scene.
- Midday: Area is secured, and a structural assessment begins.
Second Property Sheds Debris in High Winds
Residents on Walton Breck Road reported that a second building, a terraced house previously declared unsafe, also suffered damage from Storm Amy. The property had been the subject of an emergency evacuation in August 2025.
At that time, engineers found the house to be structurally unsound due to a large crack that caused its windows and bay to sag. The two residents were evacuated, and protective hoardings were erected around the building for safety.
Background on the Unsafe House
On August 4, emergency services evacuated the terraced house on Walton Breck Road after its structural integrity was compromised. The evacuation occurred just as large crowds were in the area for a Liverpool FC pre-season match. Following the incident, the council installed hoardings to secure the site.
Local residents told reporters today that the storm's powerful gusts had ripped these hoardings from the building. This resulted in more wood and brick debris falling into the road. One resident alleged that some of the falling material had struck a neighbour's car.
Widespread Travel Chaos Across Merseyside
The structural damage in Anfield is one of many incidents caused by Storm Amy, which is battering the UK with heavy rain and strong winds. The severe weather has led to significant travel disruption across the Liverpool City Region.
Merseyrail has reported that three of its lines are currently blocked due to weather-related issues, causing major delays for passengers. The disruption has also affected football fans, with Liverpool FC supporters travelling to London for a match against Chelsea experiencing delays due to damage to overhead power lines on the main route.
Impact on Public Transport
- Trains: Three Merseyrail lines are blocked, and Avanti West Coast services are disrupted by damaged overhead wires.
- Buses: Multiple bus routes are experiencing delays due to blocked roads and hazardous driving conditions.
- Ferries: Mersey Ferries has suspended all services for the remainder of the day due to the strong winds.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and check for travel updates before starting their journeys. The high winds are expected to continue throughout the day, with the potential for further disruption from downed trees and other debris.