Storm Henk claims second victim after woman dies in fallen tree crash - as force refers itself to watchdog

4 January 2024, 17:50 | Updated: 5 January 2024, 05:06

By Jasmine Moody

An unnamed elderly woman driver has died after hitting a fallen tree, which had been reported to police about 90 minutes earlier as Storm Henk battered the country.

The 87-year-old was in a red Smart Forfour when she collided with the tree near Crays Pond, Oxfordshire, at about 5.25pm on Tuesday.

Thames Valley Police has since referred itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as the fallen tree was one of a number of similar reports received approximately an hour and a half before the collision.

The woman's next of kin are aware and are being supported by specially trained officers. No arrests have been made.

Sergeant Dominic Mahon, of the serious collision investigation unit, said: "Sadly, a woman has died following this collision and our thoughts are with her loved ones.

"We would like to appeal for anyone that witnessed the collision, or saw the car prior to it, to contact us.

"We would also ask any drivers with a dash-camera who were in the area at the time to check their recordings and let us know if it has captured anything that could help our investigation."

An IOPC spokesperson said: "According to the referral, officers had earlier reported that a tree had brought down power lines at the same location.

"We will be assessing the referral to determine whether any further action is required from us."

Read more: Family 'terrified' after London Eye hatch blown open by Storm Henk's 70mph winds

Meanwhile, Nottinghamshire County Council earlier warned peaks of the River Trent could come close to the highest on record since 2000.

The council's tactical co-ordination group met on Thursday as a number of road closures and flood alerts remain in place.

Firefighters have also rushed to evacuate a static residential park in Radcliffe and residents in other at-risk areas have been urged to prepare in case they need to evacuate.

The council said key tributaries that feed into the River Trent - including the River Derwent, the River Soar and the River Dove - had reached their peaks, so high water levels would now pass down the Trent. This is likely to lead to more flooding to properties and roads, the authority says.

Councillor Neil Clarke, cabinet member for transport and environment, said: "We have already evacuated some communities - some low-lying areas - but as the levels are still rising, it is important people are aware and take precautions."

Read More: Hero of Storm Henk: Man risks life to save three-year-old and driver trapped in sinking car

Read More: Storm Henk 'claims first victim' after motorist dies when tree falls on car during 80mph winds which battered Britain

Earlier rail passengers were urged to travel home early as flooding misery continued two days after Storm Henk with the Met Office expanding a heavy rain warning.

Great Western Railway told customers to avoid starting journeys and said those who had already travelled should consider taking a return train 'as soon as possible'. South Western Railway, Thameslink, Southern and Gatwick Express also warned of severe disruption with speed restrictions already imposed on some lines.

The Met Office initially issued a rain warning across southern England from Cornwall to Suffolk but then extended it northwards over Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.bIt runs until 3am tomorrow and warns of further power cuts and villages becoming cut off.

Meteorologists also warned of further flooding to homes and businesses, road closures, difficult driving conditions and cancellations to train and bus services.