`We could have had deaths'

Dec 8 2006 By The Journal

Families standing on street corners, surveying the damage, said it could have been far worse.

Donna Gay, who lives in Okehampton Road, said her entire roof had blown off and ended up in a neighbouring schoolyard.

She said: "I was in my house when I heard what sounded like a thunderstorm just outside and it felt like the window was going to crash in.

"All of a sudden, the whole roof lifted off into the school next door.

"I didn't realise at first until I saw all the people coming out of the shop and pointing. It was a good thing the children were not out playing because otherwise we could have had some deaths."

Hours after the tornado, a fireman carried a dog from one of the houses within the cordon.

Gas and electricity supplies were being checked last night.