THOUSANDS of pounds damage was caused after a large tree fell to earth during overnight storms in Newton Abbot.

Four vehicles were hit by the tumbling giant when it gave up the ghost in high winds and heavy rain which rocked and drenched Forde Park in the middle of the night.

Two cars, an estate vehicle and a van were in its flight path at about 3.30am.

The VW van escaped with minor scrapes – but the others were less fortunate with both sustaining crush injuries to bonnet and roof.

Workmen were at the residential car park site, just off the Newton Road, this morning (Friday) to remove hefty branches so devastated owners could inspect the scale of the uprooted tree’s surprise wrecking spree.

Teignbridge councillor Mike Joyce, who lives nearby, said: ‘A neighbour heard it come down and rang the council to alert them.

‘I first learned about when I heard these chainsaws going and saw what they were doing. It was some sight.’

It’s thought the combination of wind and deluge of rain may have affected a rotted part of the tree which then collapsed