Probe at Bedford fitness centre as light fitting crashes down, narrowly missing footballers

Over 60s walking footballers were preparing for their session on Tuesday at the sports hall when a light fitting smashed at the John Bunyan Sports & Fitness at Mile Road.

An eye witness said: "We were warming up and getting our bibs when a huge heavy halogen light fitting plunged from the ceiling and smashed into a thousand pieces.

"A couple of the lads were just 3-4 yards from where it landed. It would have killed someone with a direct hit.

"Debris scattered to the four corners. The cable had come away and the cage supposed to keep it safe fell with it. Scary stuff. The session was cancelled immediately. The other lights obviously need checking."

A spokesman for the centre, which is run by Fusion, confirmed a thorough inspection is being carried out.

"A light fitting detached from its housing in the sports hall at John Bunyan Sports & Fitness. No-one was injured in the incident, however we have temporarily closed the sports hall until the weekend whilst we carry out a thorough inspection of all of the high level fittings to ensure the John Bunyan Sports & Fitness continues to provide an enjoyable and safe environment for all of our users."