Bury St Edmunds tree collapse 'caused by heavy rain'

Heavy rain is believed to have caused the collapse of a massive tree into a Bury St Edmunds road.

The massive willow tree. which was in the Abbey Gardens, has split in two and the top half has toppled over a wall into Eastgate Street.

The tree blocked Eastgate Street, opposite The Fox pub.

Cllr John Griffiths, leader of West Suffolk Council, said: "The most important thing for which we are very thankful is that no one was hurt and the tree did not damage any property, although I can imagine this was a shock for anyone who witnessed it.

"We inspect our trees on a regular basis and this tree was indeed apparently checked earlier this year.

"However, as I understand it heavy rain caused a branch to unexpectedly snap and fall."

The tree debris has been cleared and the wall will be inspected.

A council spokesman said: "To allow us to check it is completely safe, we are going to request Suffolk Highways close the road until a specialist structural engineer has been out to check the ancient wall.

"We apologise for any disruption caused but public safety is paramount."

Read more: All the latest news from Suffolk

Read: All the latest news from Bury St Edmunds