GALE force winds have battered an Ardrossan building causing chunks of debris to fall more than eight metres to the pavement.

Emergency services were called to a top floor flat in Princes Street after bits of roughcasting began falling from the chimney on to the street below.

Police and fire crews are currently in attendance and have cordoned off the pavement outside of Ayrshire Grooming Salon after business owners raised fears debris from the crumbling chimney would hit and injure a passer-by. 

One business owner said: "We could see chunks of roughcasting falling from the roof and realised someone could get hurt so we called the police to report it. they have put the window out and are trying to secure the chimney."

More on this as we get it.