A child's trampoline from a garden lies in the street

Trees were uprooted, a trampoline was blown on to a street and a bus stop was toppled over as what residents have reported to be a tornado ripped through Hainault this afternoon.

Firefighters help out in the clean up operation

Roofs were also damaged in four roads, including Arrowsmith Road and Fawn Road, and a car parked in a driveway was written off after being hit by falling debris.

Romford Fire Station manager Ronnie Bates told the Recorder about 20 houses were damaged by the strong winds.

Maureen Durieu, of Fawn Road, said: “It was absolutely terrifying.

“First it was the sound of the rain and then the wind. Then you could hear the tiles coming off and just smashing into walls and cars.

“We knew it had to be a tornado. We were scared for our lives.”

To view a gallery of images showing damage caused by the suspected tornado, click on the link at the top right of this page.