Police shut a road in Sutton town centre as a metal panel dangled from a high-rise tower.

Your Local Guardian:

An aluminium panel became loose at the top of the 16-storey block of flats in Throwley Way as Storm Imogen's wind and rain lash south London.

Police were called by the Aspects House's management just before noon to reports of an "unsafe structure".

A spokesman said officers closed the road out of fears for the public's safety.

London Fire Brigade sent three engines and its crews assessed whether the the panel - at the north-west side of the building - could be reattached or needs to be removed.

A spokeswoman said: "It is fair to assume that the panel loosened in the high winds."

The loose panel was later secured and the road reopened just before 2.20pm.

Forecasters predicted gales of up to 70mph this morning.

The storm also tore up a tree in Carshalton and blew it into the River Wandle, sparking flooding fears amoong residents of nearby houses.

Your Local Guardian:

Graham Murray, of Watermead Lane, said: "Should more heavy rain hit the area the tree will in effect dam the river and is of major concern to Willow Cottages on Watermead Lane.

"Environment Agency have been informed and residents are waiting for help."

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