Shock as tree falls onto city cathedral

Staff inside the cathedral had been unaware of the fallen tree until they heard sirens

Part of Coventry Cathedral has been cordoned off after a large tree fell onto part of the building.

Passers-by were left shocked by the sight of the tree leaning at an angle on top of the John Laing Centre, an extension which opened two years ago.

West Midlands Fire Service cordoned off the area and worked to ensure the building was safe.

No injuries were reported, the fire service said.

A tree surgeon was called the scene to chop up the tree and make it safe

A spokesperson said: "The tree has fallen over and unfortunately caught the side of the building so we're going to get a tree surgeon out to chop it up and make it safe for the general public.

"There's no immediate threat to the public."

It is not yet known what caused the tree to fall, but staff at the cathedral believe it happened on Tuesday night.

The extension was built two years ago

Those who have walked by the fallen tree claimed to have heard it making a "creaking" noise.

Reverend Canon Mary Gregory added: "We were having our morning service and we heard sirens and they seemed very close so it was a bit of a shock to see the tree.

"It's a concern for us but we're grateful the local fire service are here.

"The cathedral was consecrated 1962 but the extension the tree is leaning on was dedicated in 2022 and well used by local schools and business and very important part of our life together."