Homes wrecked as storm blasts region

TORNADO RIPS OFF ROOFS AND DESTROYS CARS

- ANDREW BARDSLEY

A COMMUNITY was left in shock after a tornado ripped through the town.

Trees were uprooted and cars damaged, while the winds blew tiles and chimneys off roofs as Storm Gerrit struck in Greater Manchester.

No injuries have been reported but a major incident was declared by the emergency services.

Tameside Council said about 100 properties were damaged in all in Stalybridge.

The tornado struck just before midnight on Wednesday.

It hit several different locations within the town, with Hough Hill Road being the worst affected.

The roofs of two adjoining homes were blown off by the wind.

Residents who live nearby described the shocking moment the tornado took hold. One described the sound as 'like a bomb going off! "I heard extreme noise at my back window, Matthew Marsland, who lives opposite the damaged homes, said.

"I was stood at my patio door and there was just a crazy-sounding noise and then vibrations through the glass.