A partly-built Audi showroom in Sunderland has been dismantled.

Construction of Wearside Audi’s planned new dealership in Newcastle Road was halted by BDB Design Build at the steel frame stage due to errors in the design.

A roof built by DBD for Jardine Motors Group in Milton Keynes, collapsed in June, but work stopped at the Sunderland site prior to this.

The Wearside site, originally Benfield’s but now part of Lookers, had been due to open in the autumn. Now contractors have moved in to demolish the partly-built structure and begin a new development.

A spokesman for Wearside Audi said the suspension was "to allow the contractor time to review elements of the design work and structure".

"The contractor has now completed their review and associated design work amendments and recommenced works on Monday, January 18.

"In the meantime Wearside Audi will continue to operate from their popular site on the grounds of the Stadium of Light."

He said the two incidents - Jardine in Milton Keynes and Wearside - could not be linked until investigations are completed.