Small tornado damages part of north London

LONDON, Dec 7 (Reuters) A small tornado hit a residential street in north London injuring six people and damaging homes and vehicles, police and emergency services said today.

The tornado struck the Kensal Rise area of northwest London shortly after 1100 hrs and tore roofs off several houses and demolished sections of walls sending tiles, bricks and furniture flying through the streets.

Live television showed a trail of destruction with trees uprooted and cars damaged by falling debris.

Tornados, which are extremely destructive, are very rare in Britain.

Local resident James Miles said he was standing outside talking to a friend when there was a flash of lightning and then a big bang followed by rain.

''This horrendous tornado had just shot right through,'' he told Sky News. ''A lot of people are shaken up because its not the sort of thing that happens in central London ... I saw it coming. It was grey with lots of debris spinning around.'' One man in his 50's was taken to hospital with head injuries, five other adults were treated for minor injuries.

REUTERS PDM KN1856