Major incident declared after 'localised tornado' batters Greater Manchester town forcing residents to FLEE their homes

Residents were forced to flee their homes overnight after a 'localised tornado' battered parts of Tameside.

Police were called to 'numerous reports of significant damage' in the area at around 11:45pm on Wednesday (December 27) as Storm Gerrit hit. The force declared a major incident 'due to the severity of the damage caused and potential risk to public safety'.

People are being warned to avoid travelling in and around Stalybridge today due to debris in the road. Officers have also told those in damaged properties not to return until they have been assessed by an engineer. They added 'initial enquiries' suggest no injuries have been reported.

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Chief Superintendent Mark Dexter from GMP said: “This incident has undoubtedly affected numerous people in the Stalybridge area with many residents displaced from their properties during the night.

“Our highest priority is keeping people safe which is why we are advising those who have been displaced not to return or entre their properties which have significant damage until they have been assessed by structural engineers.

“I would also like to urge members of the public to avoid the area where possible and take extra care when travelling in vehicles on the roads in Stalybridge and the surrounding areas, due to debris in the road.

“This has understandably caused some disruption and, though we are not yet in a position to confirm when the area will return to normal, further updates will be communicated when we have them. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the community for their cooperation and patience.”