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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
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| Clacton Pier helter-skelter blown down as storm hits Essex | Clacton Pier helter-skelter blown down as storm hits Essex |
| (about 2 hours later) | |
| The helter-skelter at Clacton Pier has blown down after Essex was hit by strong winds. | The helter-skelter at Clacton Pier has blown down after Essex was hit by strong winds. |
| The structure collapsed early on Monday morning but has not fallen into the sea, Tendring District Council said. | The structure collapsed early on Monday morning but has not fallen into the sea, Tendring District Council said. |
| Witness Chris Woodley said the slide appeared to have fallen on to the amusement arcade and the rollercoaster looked like it was "breaking up". | Witness Chris Woodley said the slide appeared to have fallen on to the amusement arcade and the rollercoaster looked like it was "breaking up". |
| The pier's operator said no-one was hurt. Other outdoor rides have been shut, but parts of the pier are open. | |
| BBC Essex reporter James Waterhouse said other amusements had also been hit, including a climbing frame with a ball pit which has toppled over. | |
| One witness said: "[The helter-skelter] was the tallest thing on the pier, the kids loved it." | One witness said: "[The helter-skelter] was the tallest thing on the pier, the kids loved it." |
| Trees fallen | |
| A council spokesman spoke of the authority's disappointment at the ride collapsing, saying: "Any of the main rides on the pier are crucial to Clacton." | A council spokesman spoke of the authority's disappointment at the ride collapsing, saying: "Any of the main rides on the pier are crucial to Clacton." |
| Metal sheeting has also been seen being blown off the pier at Walton-on-the-Naze. | Metal sheeting has also been seen being blown off the pier at Walton-on-the-Naze. |
| The Tendring council spokesman said because so many trees had also fallen down in the district, it was "running out of chainsaws". | The Tendring council spokesman said because so many trees had also fallen down in the district, it was "running out of chainsaws". |
| Essex Police said a number of trees had fallen on to roads across the county, but no major incidents had occurred. | Essex Police said a number of trees had fallen on to roads across the county, but no major incidents had occurred. |
| Congestion | Congestion |
| A flood warning has been issued to the River Witham in North Witham, with the Environment Agency telling people to take precautions. | |
| People have also seen trees falling on to caravans, but there have been no reports of serious injury. | People have also seen trees falling on to caravans, but there have been no reports of serious injury. |
| The storm has affected commuters in Essex, with most rail services throughout the county being suspended. | The storm has affected commuters in Essex, with most rail services throughout the county being suspended. |
| A lorry was also blown over on the M11 near Harlow, causing congestion, and the Queen Elizabeth II bridge between Essex and Kent was shut due to high winds. | |
| Flights are operating at Stansted Airport, but limited train services are running to it. | |
| County council services including country parks have been closed and some courts have delayed proceedings. | |
| Essex Police has set up two emergency lines for all weather calls, including emergencies - 0800 092 0410 and 0207 158 0124. | Essex Police has set up two emergency lines for all weather calls, including emergencies - 0800 092 0410 and 0207 158 0124. |