Man is crushed and killed as tree branch falls in high winds

A man has died after a large tree branch snapped in a Blackpool park in strong winds.

- by Tony Durkin

The man, in his 40s, is understood to have been crushed by the fallen branch as he slept rough in a tent.

Police said they were called out at 4.55am yesterday to Revoe Park, Central Drive, Blackpool.

"The emergency services attended and found a man unresponsive," said Lancashire Police in a statement.

"Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, very sadly the man - aged in his 40s - was pronounced deceased at the scene.

"Our inquiries are ongoing to trace his next of kin.