A Winchester family had a lucky escape when a tree narrowly missed their house after it was blown over in last night's storm.

The tree fell in Cheriton Road, Winchester, and is currently blocking traffic.

It crashed into the front garden of Laurence Poultney, who said it was a very strange experience.

Mr Poultney, 47, said: "My wife and I were sleeping but at about 5.30am we heard this massive crash and we jumped out of bed.

"We didn't hear any wind or anything, it was just this almighty crash and we looked out the window and there was a tree there.

"It's lucky it wasn't the next one along because it would have come right down on my cars."

The tree missed the house by metres and fell on the garden gate.

Mr Poultney said he had called the county council to remove the tree and did not know how much the gate damage would cost to repair.

He added: "The trees have always been a nightmare here. They have always been dodgy in the high winds.

"I think they should be crowned because they are too heavy at the top but the Highways Agency has always said it doesnt have the money for it."

The tree is also in front of The Westgate Secondary School, closed this week for half term.

Building work is currently being done at the school and contractors are still able to access the site.