UPDATE: 12.15pm

Nick Alfieri, Building Control Surveyor at Newport council, said the incident was a “freak accident” in which a TV aerial had pulled off bricks from a chimney due to the weather.

He added: “We are going to extend the scaffolding from the next door building to ensure the safety of the public. Safety is paramount.”

David Wilcox, 64, of Maindee, said: “Look at that building – it’s in tatters. It was an accident waiting to happen.”

UPDATE: 11.27am

BRICKS are falling from the ex-Pockets snooker club on Clarence Place in Newport this morning.

The incident has led to traffic disruption in the area with Newport Bus services along Chepstow Road and Caerleon Road affected.

Newport council workers are sealing off the area.