Man killed by window falling from London apartment block Published duration 2 October 2018

image copyright PA image caption Police said it believed the man "was hit by something falling" from a tower block on Albert Embankment

A man has died after being hit by a window that fell from a luxury block of flats in central London.

The man in his 50s was struck at about 10:40 BST outside the Corniche apartments on Albert Embankment.

He was pronounced dead by emergency crews called to the scene. The Met said it believed the man "was hit by something falling from a building".

Witness Paddy Riley, who said he saw the victim lying on his back, described the scene as "very, very distressing".

A section of window from one of the penthouse properties could be seen to be missing from the structure.

The man was a driver for the National Express-owned firm Clarkes Of London and had been with the company for almost 40 years, a colleague said.

Another co-worker described the victim as "a really nice fellow" and said his death was a "tragedy".

image copyright PA image caption A window is missing from the top floor of the Corniche apartment block

Mr Riley, 59, said: "There was lots of blood everywhere and other stuff - it was very, very distressing.

"There was a lot of labourers standing looking and pointing up at the window and down at him but no-one was going near him."

Property developer St James said it was investigating the incident at its Corniche development.

A company spokesman added: "We extend our deepest sympathies to his family at this incredibly difficult time.

"We are investigating this incident as a matter of urgency and working with the emergency services to establish what happened."

The spokesman said residents had started moving into the block in December, but the penthouse remained unoccupied.

The Health and Safety Executive is aware and is liaising with police.

The Corniche is listed as an "exclusive riverside address" made up of 252 apartments which overlook a number of London landmarks.

Designed by Foster and Partners, it is the same company responsible for the Gherkin, and properties are priced between £2.7m and £6.25m.