Motorist killed as tree falls on car in Birmingham amid Storm Darragh

A man has died after a tree fell on his car during Storm Darragh in Birmingham. The motorist was travelling along Silver Birch Road, close to Sutton New Road in Erdington when strong winds uprooted the tree sending it crashing down.

Fire crews and police have cordoned off the scene tonight as they deal with the incident. The man, who has not been named, is the second person to die due to Storm Darragh, Birmingham Live reports.

A man, in his 40s, was also killed when his Citroen van was hit by a tree on the A59 in Longton, near Lancashire Police's headquarters, at about 9am today. West Midlands Police said: "A man has sadly died after a tree fell and hit his car this afternoon."

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"We were called to Silver Birch Road, Erdington, just after 3pm today, following reports that a tree had fallen and hit a car as a result of the storm conditions."

Sgt Benjamin Parsons, of the Roads Policing Unit of West Midlands Police, said: "Our thoughts are with the man's family at this time, and his next of kin have been informed. A report will be passed onto the coroner. Anyone who saw what happened or who may have dashcam or mobile phone footage, is asked to please get in touch."

The road remains closed and drivers are urged to avoid the area. Anyone with information should contact West Midlands Police via Live Chat on the website, or by calling 101, quoting log 2695 of 7 December.

A van was also hit by a tree on the M42 tonight between junctions 5 and 6 near Birmingham Airport. Three lanes of the motorway remain closed.