By Peter Omopo
A man in his 50s has died after a tree fell onto a caravan during severe weather brought by Storm Goretti in Cornwall.
Devon and Cornwall Police said emergency services were called to the Mawgan area of Helston at about 7:35 pm on Thursday following reports that a tree had collapsed onto a caravan amid dangerous wind conditions. The incident occurred during a rare red weather warning for wind issued by the Met Office.
Officers confirmed that the man was found dead inside the caravan. His next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from the police.
Authorities said work was carried out at the scene on Friday to safely remove the fallen tree and conduct further inquiries. The death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be prepared for the coroner.
Storm Goretti caused widespread disruption across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, with wind gusts reaching up to 100mph. The Met Office said the red warning, in effect between 4:00 pm and 11:00 pm on Thursday, highlighted the risk of falling debris and danger to life, particularly in exposed areas.
Cornwall Council described the storm as one of the most severe the county had experienced in living memory. Emergency crews have been working around the clock to clear fallen trees, repair damage and restore services, with clean-up efforts continuing into the weekend.
Meanwhile, the National Grid said more than 34,000 premises across the south-west of England remain without electricity, adding that engineers are working tirelessly to restore power.
A yellow warning for ice, covering parts of east Cornwall, remains in effect until midday on Friday, as authorities continue to urge residents to exercise caution.
