UK storms: man 'electrocuted' in Wiltshire

The man in his 70s reportedly died this afternoon after clearing a tree

Storm waves break at Porthleven in Cornwall. Meanwhile, in Wiltshire a man was pronounced dead at the scene after he reportedly tried to move a tree

A pensioner is thought to have been electrocuted while attempting to move a fallen tree which had brought down power cables.

The man in his 70s died at around 3.20pm near Chippenham, Wiltshire, police confirmed.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: "We were called to reports of a tree having brought down power cables in Bremhill in Calne.

"At around 3.20pm whilst officers were en route we were contacted again with reports of a man being injured at the scene.

"Ambulance also attended but sadly the man, who was local to the area, was pronounced dead at the scene.

"His next of kin have been informed and early indication is that the man was attempting to clear the tree and has been electrocuted. He was in his 70s."

His death comes as winds of more than 100mph lashed Britain and heavy rain brought more flood misery for parts of the country.

The Met Office has issued a "red" weather warning for exceptionally strong winds in western parts of Wales and north-western parts of England, while the Thames is predicted to rise to its highest level in more than 60 years in some places.

On the day dubbed Wild Wednesday, gusts of 108mph hit Aberdaron on the Llyn Peninsula in north west Wales, while 96mph winds were recorded off the south coast of England at the Needles, on the Isle of Wight.

Additional reporting by PA