A man in his 40s has died after a tree branch fell on top of him in strong winds. Police and paramedics were called to Revoe Park in Blackpool just before 5am on Monday (September 15).
The homeless man was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene, according to Lancashire Police. Efforts are being made by the force to trace the man’s next of kin.
A police spokesperson confirmed the force was 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.
They said despite the best efforts of medical personnel, very sadly the man – aged in his 40s – was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The spokesperson added that the man’s death is not being treated as suspicious and a file will be passed to HM Coroner.
A local dog walker told The Blackpool Gazette the man had been living rough in the park over the past few days and the tree had “crushed” a small green tent.
It also almost fell on a second tent where a homeless couple were sheltering. They escaped unharmed, according to the same publication.
News of the man’s death came after gusts of wind measuring 80mph were recorded overnight, with much of England and Wales remained under a yellow weather warning.
The Met Office said the strongest speeds were measured at the Needles on the Isle of Wight, which reached 78mph, while Aberdaron in Gwynedd saw 66mph and Capel Curig in Conwy 59mph.
Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire, the Isle of Portland in Dorset and Bridlington in East Yorkshire also saw gusts between 54mph and 58mph.
The alert, which came into force at 8pm on Sunday, is due to remain in place until 6pm on Monday and covers most of England and Wales except the north of the Lake District and far North East.
Forecasters have warned of possible travel disruption, delays to transport and large waves affecting coastal areas, with short-term power cuts also possible.
Winds are expected to slowly ease from the west later on Monday afternoon and into the evening.