Suffolk homes lose power as storm hits county

A large tree came down overnight in Belstead Road, Ipswich

Thousands of homes in Suffolk were without power after strong winds battered the east of England.

More than 14,000 customers were affected during the storm's peak as it brought down electricity lines across the county, UK Power Networks said.

Gusts of up to 85mph (137km/h) were recorded at Shotley at about 06:40 GMT.

The A14 Orwell Bridge south of Ipswich was also shut for a time, but rail travel will continue to be disrupted into the evening.

Traffic was gridlocked as the Orwell Bridge was closed earlier

A tree blocked the road in Melton, near Woodbridge

Strong winds blew part of the roof off the Carlton Fun Factory soft play area at Saxmundham.

The roof of the Carlton Fun Factory bore the brunt of the storm overnight

Bricks and debris were strewn across the children's play area

The winds caused disruption across Suffolk's rail network, with operator Greater Anglia describing the storm as one of the most significant weather incidents in the past few years.

Early morning commuters had a longer than usual journey between Sudbury and Marks Tey in Essex when their train hit a fallen tree, at about 06:00 GMT near Chappel and Wakes Colne station.

One passenger said the train "physically wobbled with most of us thinking it was going to come off the tracks".

Operator Greater Anglia said there were no injuries but the train was damaged in the "low speed impact".

After Network Rail workers moved the tree, the train continued to Marks Tey where passengers were let off.

The train has been taken out of service for repairs.

Suffolk Police said officers took 389 emergency calls between 05:00 GMT and 10:00 GMT, and 291 calls to the non-emergency 101 number, many related to "obstructions in the roads around Suffolk".

Over the same period on Wednesday the force had 32 calls to 999 and 67 calls to 101.