Following the collapse of part of the Apollo Theatre's ceiling London Mayor Boris Johnson said: "I would stress that, although it is too early to say what caused this collapse, and whilst this was a serious incident, London's world-renowned Theatreland is open for business and thousands of theatre-goers will rightly be out and about tonight and over the weekend.

"Westminster City Council and the Society of London Theatre have assured me that all safety checks for the West End's historic theatres are up to date but, as a precaution, further checks have already started and will continue throughout the day."

The Metropolitan Police have also confirmed: "Following an initial assessment of the Apollo Theatre the Metropolitan Police Service is satisfied that there is no criminal act involved in what happened on 19 December 2013, and the investigation will be continued by Westminster City Council.

"The MPS will continue to provide any necessary support."

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