HIGH winds brought down a tree across the busy St Marychurch Road on the edge of Newton Abbot early today.

The tree, which blocked half the road, fell to earth near the junction with Newtake Rise.

Police were called to the scene just before 7am to deal with disrupted rush-hour traffic.

A highways’ team was drafted in to remove the obstacle which was put out of harm’s way by the side of the road.

The road was clear by 7.30am.