Met Office warns SEVERE Ice to wreak havoc on streets as -5C Arctic blast sweeps Britain

In pictures: Huge tree falls over, destroying two cars, including occupants

Two cars were destroyed when a tree fell in the middle of a main Lancashire road.

The giant tree has fallen onto the pavement of a main road in South Ribble, damaging two cars underneath with a total of three passengers in them.

Two frightened passengers were trapped in a vehicle and were rescued by firefighters, who arrived promptly to free them. The occupants had to be cut out of the vehicle.

A woman who was in the other car suffered minor head injuries.

The A49 Wigan Road has now been closed between Shady Land and the A6 junction, Lostock Land.

Street police were spotted, as were people with chainsaws trying to clear the fallen tree.

It is not yet known when the road will reopen and traffic will be diverted, with motorists being urged to use Lydiate Lane to join the A6.