Man killed by falling tree after Met Office warning over 70mph winds

A man has tragically died after being struck by a falling tree branch in a park in Blackpool.

The incident took place as gale-force winds swept across the region, with the Met Office warning of gusts reaching up to 70mph in exposed areas.

A tree branch fell onto a tent where the man - who was reportedly homeless - had been living. Although emergency services rushed to the scene in Revoe Park on Central Drive, Blackpool, shortly before 5am on Monday, the man had sadly already died.

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A local dog walker said the man had been living rough in one of two tents pitched in the park over the past few days. The walker added that the branch had completely "crushed" a small tent and had almost fallen on a second, larger tent occupied by a homeless couple.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: “We were called at 4.55am today to Revoe Park, Central Drive, Blackpool, to a report that a tree branch had fallen on a tent and struck a man. The emergency services attended and found a man unresponsive. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, very sadly the man – aged in his 40s - was pronounced deceased at the scene."

The spokesperson added: "Our enquiries are ongoing to trace his next of kin. The man’s death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be passed in due course to HM Coroner.”

Police said they had not yet confirmed whether the man was homeless.

A Blackpool Council spokesperson said: "We are awaiting further information to understand the circumstances that led to him sleeping in the park. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this terribly sad time."

The man's tragic death comes as strong winds batter much of west and south-west England and Wales.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning from 8pm on Sunday, with the alert set to remain in place until 6pm on Monday.