The uncontrolled collapse of the six-storey building left scaffolding and building debris spread across the pavement and road and a security video revealed a lucky escape for a passing car.

Swingate House was in the process of being demolished as part of the Stevenage regeneration project.

Mace is in a development joint venture with Stevenage council for the project and hired Kane Group to carry out the demolition work.

The council said: “A plan has been agreed to safely manage the next stages of the demolition works, to remove the debris and continue the demolition.

“These works have now started, and will be visible over the coming days. We remain in close liaison with our partners as the works progress.

“There will be ongoing disruption to some roads in the coming days, alt​hough we will look to safely minimise this wherever possible, and we continue to work with affected residents and businesses regarding their access arrangements.”

Mace added: “We’d like to thank the emergency services and the council for their assistance managing the incident.

“We have been working closely with our principal contractor and will be supporting the Health & Safety Executive fully with their investigation.”