A fallen tree pictured in Arrowsmith Road, Hainault

A tornado which is reported to have ripped through Hainault this afternoon has been described as “ferocious” and “horrendous”.

Firefighters are in Hainault after trees were uprooted and roofs damaged in roads including Arrowsmith Road and Fawn Road.

A bus stop has also reportedly been blown over in Manford Way, while a trampoline has been swept out of a garden and into a public area of The Lowe.

Paul Simons, 47, whose Arrowsmith Road property suffered minor damage in the winds, said: “The wind was horrendous and you could physically see it because of the rain.

“I’ve never seen wind so bad. It was ferocious.

“I thought it was a severe storm. I didn’t realise it was a tornado until I was outside and I heard a firefighter say so.”

About 20 residential properties in three roads have been damaged.

No injuries have been reported.

Have you been affected by the strong winds, or have any pictures of the damage? Email newsdesk@ilfordrecorder.co.uk or call 020 8477 3800.