Man trapped as van crushed by falling oak tree in gale force winds

MOTORISTS were caught up in long delays and one man was trapped in his van by a falling tree during yesterday’s gale force winds.

Gusts of more than 50mph were recorded by the Met Office and roads across Merseyside were closed for hours thanks to falling trees, branches and signs.

A 25-year-old man was taken to the Royal Hospital after an oak tree fell onto his van on Queens Drive, Allerton, but an ambulance service spokesman said his injuries were not believed to be serious.

Busy routes were also blocked off in Toxteth and Southport although a council spokesman said no severe weather warnings were issued.

Forecasters expect the wind speeds to ease off today with conditions expected to become more settled.

A Met Office spokesman said: “We have recorded maximum wind speeds of about 50-55mph over the past two days, but the gusts are expected to drop to about 35-40mph from Thursday.

“Friday and Saturday are looking dry, but more showers look likely on Sunday. We expect the winds to drop more as we get closer to the weekend.”