A localised storm snapped the diseased tree at the base which fell towards Marling Court in Bramble Lane, knocking off guttering and roof tiles early on Monday morning.

The home's manager, Phyllis McCaffrey, said residents were not in any danger as they live at the back of the building, while the tree fell across the front.

But she said: "At any time of the day you get school children walking past, people going to Sainsbury's and our old people staff. It was a blessing it happened during the night."