Shop accident 'may result in compensation claim'

It has not yet emerged whether a schoolgirl from Fareham is to take legal action concerning an injury she suffered while next to a shop.

The 14-year-old, who has not been named, was in front of a Co-op store on Gudge Heath Lane, Fareham when part of the premises fell down, the Portsmouth News reports.

She was standing under the canopy by the shop when ceiling panels fell on top of her.

The girl sustained cuts to her head and paramedics were called, who treated her on the scene.

However, the youngster decided she did not require hospital treatment.

An investigation into what happened is currently ongoing and police advised the store to remain closed in case a similar thing occurs again.

Phil Ponsonby, chief operating officer for food retail and services at the Southern Co-operative, said the company is "very concerned" about the accident.

He added that the firm - which operates 120 community stores in areas such as Berkshire, Dorset, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and Somerset - will keep in contact with the family of the girl until she is fully recovered.