ALFRETON TORNADO: Firefighters carry out salvage operation after twister wreaks havoc on street

Firefighters have carried out salvage operations at a number of homes left devastated by yesterday’s mini-tornado in Alfreton.
Tornado hits Catherine Street, Alfreton.Tornado hits Catherine Street, Alfreton.
Tornado hits Catherine Street, Alfreton.

Crews worked well into the night to attempt to retrieve personal belongings from a number of stricken properties on Catherine Street.

Structural engineers are currently assessing the damage to homes.

The mini-tornado swept through the area at about 3.30pm – ripping the roofs off properties, damaging cars and uprooting trees.

Thousand of pounds worth of damage have been caused.

A number of residents whose homes were deemed structurally unsound are this morning waking up in temporary accommodation and awaiting news on when they can return to their properties.

A spokesman for Derbyshire County Council this morning said: “We’re working with Amber Valley Borough Council to assess buildings.”

Volunteers with the British Red Cross and the Salavation Army have been at the scene providing emotional and practical support to traumatised residents as well as handing out food.

There are no reports of any injuries following the freak weather phenomenon – described by eyewitnesses as “terrifying”.

At about 1.30am, a Derbyshire fire service spokesman confirmed all of its crews had left the scene.

The spokesman added that Mansfield Road and Catherine Street had reopened.

Keep checking back for updates.