FALLEN trees caused havoc across Worcester this morning, following strong overnight winds which battered much of the country.

West Mercia Police advised drivers to be careful if out and about, with a number of reports of fallen trees.

“Strong winds overnight and lots of reports of trees down. Drive with care and vigilance, thank you,” it said on West Mercia OCC Twitter page.

A large tree had fallen across Church Lane in Whittington, blocking access between the Swan Pub and Whittington Pre-School, opposite the Village Hall.

The pre-school took to Facebook to warn of the “massive tree” meaning parents could only bring their children via Swinesheard Way, off the dual carriageway.

Julie Morgan, of the pre-school, told the Worcester News that tree surgeons were cutting it up from around 8am.

“Obviously, a lot of people were still coming [the normal way] because not everyone had looked on Facebook.

“People were taking their children to the primary school and then were trying to get up the lane to us with younger children. They ended up having to take the longer way around,” she added.

Emma Barton, who lives in St Peters, came down Church Lane from the opposite direction to where the tree had fallen and rang the school to warn them.

“I could see it blocking cars coming from Warndon way, but there was a bloke there with a chainsaw at about 8.20am,” she said.

Aaron Jenkins spotted a fallen tree in Cranham Drive, Warndon, while Nick Seagrove togged one which was laying across the through road from Broadheath to Hallow at 5.30am.

“Unsure of the road name, a lot of debris and fallen branches on the Hallow road going towards Holt as well,” he said.

Samantha Maloney said that another tree had fallen in Warndon by the Prince of Wales, which “looks like it just missed someone’s car which is parked on a driveway”.

Alan White Fernhill said employees of Arrow XL in Fernhill Heath had been working to remove a tree at 5.50am which was blocking the business’s Hindlip entrance.

Paul Savage said: “Ombersley Road is full of rubbish from the wheelie bins”.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning from 2.55am on Thursday morning, with the strongest winds clearing by mid-morning.

“Road, rail and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations,” said the Met Office in a statement on Wednesday evening.

“Power cuts may occur, and there is the potential for other services, such as mobile phone coverage, to be affected.

“Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible, along with some damage to buildings.”