Residents evacuated and multiple properties damaged after ‘localised tornado’ hits Stalybridge overnight

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Drink Drive patrol.

Dozens of residents have been evacuated and multiple properties have been damaged in Stalybridge after a “localised tornado” hit overnight.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 11:45pm yesterday evening (27 December).

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to “numerous reports” of “significant damage to various properties” across the Tameside town of Stalybridge, which was believed to have been due to a localised tornado – with a major incident declared shortly after police arrived at the scene.

GMP says it declared this as a major incident due to the severity of the damage caused, and also the potential risk to public safety.

However, it has luckily been confirmed from officers’ initial enquiries, as well as from the updates provided by partnering emergency services at the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) who also attended, that there have thankfully been no injuries reported.

Chief Superintendent Mark Dexter from GMP is now urging Tameside residents and the Greater Manchester public to “take extra care” today.

“This incident has undoubtedly affected numerous people in the Stalybridge area, with many residents displaced from their properties during the night,” CSP Dexter said in a statement.

“Our highest priority is keeping people safe, which is why we are advising those who have been displaced not to return or enter their properties which have significant damage until they have been assessed by structural engineers.

“I would also like to urge members of the public to avoid the area where possible and take extra care when travelling in vehicles on the roads in Stalybridge and the surrounding areas, due to debris in the road.

“This has understandably caused some disruption, and though we are not yet in a position to confirm when the area will return to normal, further updates will be communicated when we have them.”

GMP is advising that anyone affected should keep a close eye on and monitor Tameside Council’s social media for advice and guidance, or call 0161 342 2222 where council representatives will be on hand to offer support.

Dukinfield Town Hall was also opened by the Council overnight to accommodate displaced residents or “anyone that feels unsafe”.

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At the time of writing, Tameside Council is yet to publicly and formally address the distressing situation, or provide an update on displaced residents and the support available to those affected.

Information on the above is expected in due course.

Featured Image – GMP