The O2 Arena “could be closed for months” after huge winds ripped off its roof during Storm Eunice.
The iconic venue in Greenwich was forced to close on Friday after it was severely damaged by 80mph gusts.
London Fire Brigade said firefighters rushed to the venue following reports of a “partial roof collapse”.
Shocked staff have told of their horror after witnessing two sections of the roof tearing and leaving everything “completely exposed”.
One employee told The Mirror that the O2 – which hosts live music and hosts numerous bars and restaurants – could be closed “for a few months”.
Another added: "We were inside and the wind just ripped off the roof, it was whipped off - it sounded like a huge whooshing sound and then suddenly everything was exposed. It was in a part of the shopping centre so all the public had to be evacuated and staff are heading home."
More than 1,000 people were evacuated from the venue on Friday, although no injuries have been reported.
Tom Henry, 24, who was working as a civil engineer consultant from his flat overlooking the O2, said the hole was getting worse as the wind ripped through the arena.
He said: “My flat is pointed right at it and it just caught my eye this black image flapping, I thought what is that?
“It’s shocking at first, you can start to see it go.”
This seems not good...pic.twitter.com/XPDH8jjq7j
— Jake Kanter (@Jake_Kanter) February 18, 2022
Witness Mala Sharma told the PA news agency that “more and more parts were getting ripped off”.
02 Arena has been contacted for comment.
