Drone photographer captures aftermath of Old Courthouse, Cockermouth

Around 5am on Sunday, October 7, the back of the building collapsed in the river Cocker.

The building was first declared unsafe back in November 2021.

Cockermouth’s Civic Trust group had warned about the safety of the Old Courthouse, with their architectural advisor saying in April that the building remained 'highly vulnerable to further collapse'.

There was a sense of shock in the town as residents described ‘chunks’ of roof and former balconies in the river.

A drone image of the site following the collapse. (Image: Drone Imagery Services)

The Environment Agency said it was acting with Cumberland Council 'to minimise any potential environmental impacts'.

The town’s flood walls 'remain intact' and the flood risk for Cockermouth has not increased, they added.

London property consultant Samiul Ahmed bought the Old Courthouse at auction last year, for £51,000 and planned to spend more than £100,000 making it safe.

Following the partial collapse of the Old Courthouse building in Cockermouth yesterday Sunday, October 8 Cumberland Council has said it is continuing to assess the site - with the permission of the owner of the building - and has put in place precautionary measures to protect public safety.

A look at the back of the Old Courthouse building following the collapse. (Image: Drone Imagery Services)

The bridge over the river Cocker has been closed and screening has been installed.

The council said: "The river embankment has been fenced off in the potential drop zone. Other traffic routes are currently being assessed and other works have now been suspended. A structural assessment of the building is underway, and a LiDAR survey will be undertaken using a drone. This will provide a 3D map of the building.

The bridge has been closed following the building collapse. (Image: Drone Imagery Services)

"Discussions are ongoing with key partners including the owner of the building. Permission has been granted by the owner to access the building to undertaken survey work.

"There were no reports of any injuries following the building collapse and although some debris has landed into the river, the river is still flowing.

"The Environment Agency has confirmed that although the collapse is near to their flood walls, the walls remain intact and the town’s flood risk has not increased."

Cumberland Council spokesperson added: “Although this is a privately owned building, we have taken immediate action to secure the site and have structural engineers on site to determine the extent of the damage.

“This is a complex issue and public safety is our main priority.

“We appreciate that the bridge closure will impact on residents, and we will do all we can reopen it as soon as it safe to do so.”

All pictures and video have been provided by Drone Imagery Services.