Neighbours concerns about a 'dangerous' tree were realised this morning when it was blown in half by the wind.

The tree in a communal garden area in Moyle Close, Parkwood had been a cause of concern for many months because of hanging dead branches.

Sally Kittredge said: "We were having a cup of tea and heard a loud noise and ran outside.

"I complained to the council three or four months ago because it was dangerous and now look what's happened."

Mrs Kittredge said her neighbour also complained just last week but the council have not been out to make it safe.

When the tree fell it bought down phonelines and ripped them out of the walls of the nearby houses, damaging the brick work.

Mrs Kittredge said: "Children play under there and if they had been under there today, they could have been killed.

"It's a lovely tree and it's more than 30 years old. It wouldn't have cost that much to make it safe but now they've got to pay to remove it."

Tree surgeons confirmed that the tree will now have to be felled.

A Medway Council spokesman said: “Previously we have received three enquiries from Mr and Mrs Kitteridge, none of which were concerning a tree in such a condition that it may fall down.

“We have recently completed an independent safety audit of all trees in Moyle Close and all were reported as having no issues with no subsequent work required.

The fall comes as the remnants of Hurricane Gonzalo sweep across the country. According to the Met Office website, Medway can expect gusts of up to 40mph today.

A tree has also fallen over in City Way, Rochester. Police were called at 11.11am to reports of a fallen tree. It is believed the tree is blocking one lane.

A council spokesman said: “Trees can be brought down during high winds for a variety a reasons and in many cases these may be perfectly healthy trees. Soil conditions, position and leaf coverage can all play a part.

"We urge people to be vigilant during periods of high wind and to report any fallen trees or those that look like they may fall by calling 01634 333333.”

A yellow weather warning for wind has been issued for much of the South East.

What has the weather been doing near you? Send your photos to medwaymessenger@thekmgroup.co.uk.