Cathedral aisle shut after ceiling stone falls

News imageBBC The photo shows a close-up of the high ceiling in the south nave of Bristol Cathedral. An intricately carved stone arch can be seen, with a chunk of stone missing. The damaged area looks paler than the rest of the arch. There is also a crack in the ceiling above the arch itself.BBC
Damage can be seen on small area of a high stone arch at Bristol Cathedral

Part of a cathedral will remain cordoned off for weeks after a piece of masonry fell from its ceiling.

The south aisle of Bristol Cathedral, which is located in the city-centre, has been closed to the public for safety reasons since 22 September after pieces of stone were found on the floor.

Using a cherry picker to reach the high ceiling and archways, a spokesperson from the cathedral said they expect the area to be closed "for a few weeks" as assessments to the damaged ceiling are carried out. The rest of the cathedral remains open.

"We can confirm no individuals were in the immediate vicinity when the masonry fell and no injuries were sustained," said the spokesperson.

They added the investigations will look to establish the cause and implications of the damage, as well as what remedial work is necessary.

All services and activities at the site are expected to continue as normal.

The Grade I listed Church of England building has been a place of worship for around 900 years.

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