A hotel in south Essex had to be evacuated after Storm Eunice caused damage to the roof.

String winds ripped up part of the roof of the Travelodge in Basildon, with a long piece of roofing left flapping in the gusts. 

It is understood no one was hurt but those inside were asked to leave for safety reasons.

Among them was a Senior Lecturer in Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, who told the Echo: “We were staying on the top floor when the roof came off.

“I took a day of annual leave to see family in Essex and the roof blew off the hotel.

“The hotel was evacuated so we had to take shelter, playing pool and drinking beer.”

Storm Eunice has caused widespread disurption across Essex, with roads blocked by fallen trees and all rail services suspended until further notice.

Essex Highways said it was dealing with 100 emergency incidents at 2pm.

Wind speeds of up to 76mph were recorded at Southend Airport, which were among the highest in the East of England region.

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An amber weather warning for wind remains in place in Essex until 9pm this evening.

Winds of up to 40mph are still expected across south Essex for much of the day.