THE driver of a top-of-the-range Mercedes was taken to hospital with suspected back injuries after strong winds uprooted a tree in St Margarets and blew it onto the roof of his brand new car.

On Monday morning the 58-year-old was driving west along the A316 near St Margarets Roundabout when a large tree came crashing through the roof of his S-class Mercedes.

By the time an ambulance and fire engine arrived, he had managed to get out of the vehicle but was suffering from pain in his back, neck and the top of his head.

He was taken to West Middlesex Hospital for treatment.

Sub officer Percival from Heston Fire Brigade said: "The man was extremely lucky. It was quite an expensive Mercedes and the tree fell right on top of the roof, causing a V' shape across the top.

"It was quite easy for him to get out of the car, he just walked out. He only had minor injuries.

"We all said if it hadn't been such an expensive car there could well have been a fatality in there. Having said that, one of the branches did go right across the passenger seat so it was lucky that he was on his own."

Transport for London contractors came down and chopped up the mature London Plane Tree, to take it away. The incident added to congestion caused by Monday's train strike and gas work on Clifford Avenue.