FOUR people were injured when part of a North-East shopping centre roof collapsed.

Shoppers visiting the Middleton Grange centre in Hartlepool ran for cover when ceiling tiles and sections of a recently-fitted sprinkler system crashed to the ground under the weight of escaping water, yesterday.

The customers who were hurt sustained minor injuries as the roof gave way in the 35-store Camerons Way mall.

The four were taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool. Two were treated for jolted necks and backs, another for a hurt arm, while an elderly man was treated for shock. All were discharged after treatment.

A hospital spokesman said: "They were not so much physically hurt as stunned by their experience.

"Most of the injuries were caused when they slipped in water."

The shopping centre was evacuated immediately following the incident and the emergency services called.

Camerons Way remained cordoned off all day as structural engineers moved in to assess the damage, and cleaners mopped up the mess.

Centre manager Cormac Hamilton said: "We are investigating the incident with the Environmental Health Department and will act on any recommendations.

"We are not 100 per cent certain, but it looks as though some new sprinkler pipework has failed under water pressure.

"Unfortunately, four people were injured, but happily it appears the injuries are minor," he said.

Mr Hamilton hopes that the mall will reopen for business today, with the rest of the centre unaffected.

"I have confidence in our maintenance and our works team. We pride ourselves in creating a safe environment," he said.

One witness said: "There was a loud bang and some of the roofing structure came down, followed by lots of water.

"Some people may have been hit by debris but no one appeared to be badly hurt because they were walking round.

"It looked more like cuts and bruises."

A spokeswoman for the Tees and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service said three ambulances had been called to the incident to deal with the casualties.

A spokesman for Hartlepool Borough Council said: "We can confirm we are investigating under health and safety legislation."