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The O2 Arena could be closed "for months" in the wake of devastating damage inflicted on the structure by Storm Eunice yesterday.

Wind speeds as high as 122mph tore through the dome structure, leaving a tattered gash in the building's roof.

The O2 has confirmed that it will be remaining closed today while the extent of the damage is assessed.

Music fans are now facing uncertainty over upcoming gigs as the damage has thrown future performances into doubt, though at present concerts scheduled for next week are still being listed as available.

Dramatic video posted online showed tattered fragments being torn away from the structure built to commemorate the turn of the millennium, originally dubbed the 'Millennium Dome'.

The damage is currently being assessed, with around six sections of the roof being shredded in the high winds.

A statement posted on Twitter read: "The O2 will remain closed tomorrow morning as we assess the damage to our roof.

"We hope to reopen as soon as it is safe to do so."

Despite dramatic photos of the damage, a spokesperson for the O2 also confirmed in a statement that there had not been any serious structural damage to the building.

It is not currently clear exactly how much it will cost to replace the damaged panels, though the material, a PTFE-coated glass fibre, cost £14 million when it was built in 2000.

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Despite its initial exhibition drawing less than half the forecast number of visitors and subsequently being branded a white elephant, the O2 Arena was voted as one of the busiest concert venues in the world in 2018.

London Fire Brigade Station Commander Chris Kamara told the Mail: "Firefighters cordoned off the area to ensure no one was injured by any further falling debris.

"There has been no actual collapse or structural damage to the building, but due to the nature of the canvas material which covers The O2, it has come loose in high winds and looks quite dramatic.

"Crews have made the scene safe and The O2 is now closed."

• Storm Eunice
• UK Weather
• London

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