A slab allegedly narrowly missed a family walking by after it fell from a building in Romford town centre.
The concrete debris fell from the former Santander redevelopment site at the corner of South Street and Arcade Place last Monday (July 13).
According to a source who was at the scene, the slab fell "with some force" from the building site around the first-floor level.
The source, who wishes to remain anonymous, told the Romford Recorder: "There’s no doubt for me that someone would have been killed if they had been hit.
"I was a few metres away from being hit, another family was walking towards me."
Former councillor David Taylor has said: "Following reports that demolition debris fell from the former Santander redevelopment site in Romford town centre, I contacted the resident involved, obtained the video footage, and have now formally reported the matter to Havering Council, local councillors, our MP, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
"This site sits alongside one of Romford's busiest pedestrian routes.
"If debris is leaving the site, there is a potential risk of serious injury or worse.
"That simply isn't acceptable.
"I've also raised concerns about the impact of heavy construction vehicles repeatedly crossing the pedestrianised area.
"If the paving is being damaged, it creates another unnecessary hazard for people walking through the town centre."
When contacted by the Recorder on Friday (July 17), an HSE spokesperson said: "This is not something HSE is aware of at the moment but duty holders have 10 days to report it to HSE."
The former councillor continued: "I support regeneration and investment in Romford, but it must be carried out safely.
"Residents should be able to walk through our town centre without worrying about falling debris or damaged pavements.
"I've asked the Council to investigate the reported incident, ensure appropriate safety measures are in place, inspect the condition of the public realm, and take any action necessary.
"I've also asked the HSE to consider whether the site is being operated with adequate safeguards to protect members of the public.
"We should expect better.
"Public safety must come before construction deadlines, and I'll be following this up until I'm satisfied the risks have been properly addressed."
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