Construction works on the Evlogi Georgiev boulevard in Sofia's downtown is threatening to cause the collapse of a neighbouring residential building.

The residents of the five-storey apartment building said they heard one of the outer walls crack during the night and called the city hall.

The new construction, carried out by a company owned by former MP Georgi Avramov, was breaching several building regulations, Sofia deputy mayor Velizar Stoilov said.

Avramov's company was guilty of failing to properly reinforce the construction site, as well as failing to place a sign detailing the name of the construction company and building permit number.

Construction has been stopped for the time being, until the crack is mended and the city hall carries out an assessment of the construction site.

The Bulgarian capital is experiencing a construction boom as the rising standards of living and strong growth of lending are driving up the demand for new housing.

But in their rush to meet short deadlines, construction companies often neglect the safety regulations.

In May, construction on a site in the high-brow residential district of Iztok was suspended after it caused the foundations of an eight-story to sag.

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