Demolition halted on Leeds tower blocks after bystander hit by flying concrete

The tumbling boulder bounced over a safety fence yesterday and hit pensioner Marian Boyle in the chest.

The 64-year-old, who used to live in one of the flats in Holbeck, was treated for shock. She was not badly hurt.

A spokesman for Leeds Council said the incident happened during demolition of the first of the five blocks.

"Demolition work has now been stopped while the Health and Safety Executive conducts an investigation.

"The lady was checked out by paramedics at the scene, and we are pleased that she has been given the all clear and has now returned home."

The work is being carried out by a giant nibbler-style machine which pulls down the blocks in stages. Using this type of machine is cheaper than using explosives. Demolition was halted five minutes after it started when the debris breached the safety fence.