Storm Katie: Industrial crane bends in half as 70mph winds batter the UK

The crane in Greenwich, London, collpased as winds in excess of 70mph battered the UK

A construction crane bent overnight in high winds brought by Storm Katie in south London (AFP/Getty)

An industrial crane in London has been bent in half after winds in excess of 70mph battered parts of the UK.

The crane, on Creekside Road, Greenwich, collapsed in the early hours of Monday morning.

No injuries have been reported but the road was closed and a nearby building was evacuated.

Gavin Rolfe said: “Can't believe what I've just seen in Greenwich. Crane bent double by the wind! Unreal.”

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Police were called at around 1.50am on Monday to reports of a broken crane on a building site in Greenwich,” Metro reported.

“Officers attended and the road was closed between Greenwich Church Street and Norman Road until the crane’s structure can be made safe.

“There were no reported injuries.

“A nearby residential building has been evacuated as a precaution.”

Storm Katie has brought with it winds of more than 100mph.

London Fire Brigade has been called to more than 110 incidents, including collapsed scaffolding and fallen trees.

Permanent structures have also been affected.

In Wimbledon, south London, a roof collapsed into the street and in Harrow, west London, a chimney was blown over.

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: “Fire fighters are always on hand should any buildings, hoardings or scaffolding be left in a precarious position and posing a risk to life because of high winds.

“Our 999 control officers have worked tirelessly to deal with hundreds of calls and get fire crews there as quickly as possible.

“To help stay safe during windy weather people should always clear gardens, balconies and window sills of anything that could be blown away.

“They should also take extra care if they venture outside and be careful using candles in the case of a power cut.”