Tornado leaves path of destruction with windows shattered and trees uprooted in Leicestershire, UK

Local resident said, ‘I’ve never seen anything like it’.

After basking in freak 24C heat during the hottest Halloween on record – the UK has today been hit by heavy showers, plummeting temperatures and a tornado – prompting the Met Office to declare it is ‘back to business as usual’.

 

The tornado wrought havoc in Coalville, Leicestershire, this morning reaching the the town centre at around 7am.

 

Roof tiles came crashing down into the street, damaging cars, and bins were sent flying through the air.

Streets were strewn with debris, trees uprooted and part of the roof of a store at the Belvoir Shopping Centre was ripped off while other images – forcing the shopping precinct to close.

 

Several buildings had their windows shattered and teams of council workmen have been sent in to aid in the clean-up job. It is believed no-one was injured.

Commenting on the freak weather, A Met Office spokesman said: ‘The set up was conducive to tornadic activity and we have had some reliable reports today.’

 

Resident Vincent Bates, 64, said: ‘I woke up with a start and heard this loud rumbling followed by a bang.

‘At first I thought it was a huge lorry but when I opened my curtains and looked out of my window I couldn’t believe my eyes. There was a wheelie bin flying past and down the street, about ten feet up in the air. 

 

‘There were roof tiles crashing down into the street and landing on cars and debris flying everywhere. 

 

‘It felt like a tornado. The whole thing can’t have lasted more than two minutes before everything went dead quiet. 

 

‘I had a wander around the town and there is debris lying across a square mile area. A house across the road from me has half its roof missing. It was incredible, I’ve never seen anything like it.’

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