Strong winds caused one Hersham family to lose the roof of their family home last night.

Walton fire crews were called to the house in Kenwood Drive just before 10pm where a mother and her two children had been sleeping before a large chunk of their roof was blown off.

Winds of up to 85 mph battered most of south east England last night as Storm Barney hit.

Walton fire watch commander Andy Begg said: “We attended and the roof was removed.

“The gentleman was in Birmingham and the wife and two young children were inside.

“We do have sheets on board and if there is a hole in the roof we can put a tarpaulin over it.

“Strictly speaking that is not our job. That is why it is always important to have home insurance.”

No one was reported to be injured.