Three people have been injured after scaffolding collapsed at a building in Reading.

None of the three were seriously hurt but all were taken to hospital after the incident at the former Friars Walk shopping centre on Garrard Street shortly after 11.15am.

A site worker was treated for a head injury and a man and a woman were treated for suspected shock and an ankle injury respectively.

Firefighters used thermal imaging equipment to search for anyone who may have been trapped but no one was found.

Tony Heselton, the incident commander for South Central ambulance service, said: “Our emergency operations control room team took upwards of 10 emergency calls from around 11.15am all reporting a scaffolding collapse at the former Friars Walk shopping centre. We have assessed three patients who sustained minor injuries as a result of the collapse. We are remaining on scene to support colleagues from the Royal Berkshire fire and rescue service.”

Thames Valley police advised people to avoid the area, warning of congestion in Greyfriars Road.

Emergency services at the scene. Photograph: Gavin Harris/PA

A Health and Safety Executive spokesman said: “We are aware of an incident and are making initial inquiries.”

The centre was being demolished as part of a redevelopment scheme in the town centre and was previously used as retail and office space, Reading council said.