A TORNADO hit Derby this afternoon, destroying a garden shed, ripping fence panels out of the ground and damaging roofs.

Heavy winds and gusty weather hit Littleover at about 1.30pm today, striking Dennis Close, Leslie Close and Matthew Way.

A garage was destroyed in Dennis Close.

Firefighters said they had been called out to the area and the Met Office has confirmed the conditions were in place for tornadic activity.

Suzanne Penn, 32, of Maypole Lane, said: "It seemed to get windy quite suddenly outside so I went outside to bring in the bin.

"As I walked down the drive it got gusty and I saw the shed roof fly up the garden.

"We were quite unscathed so we were lucky."

Ikbal Beeharry, 50, of Leslie Close, said it had been an unforgettable day.

He said: "It’s been an unforgettable day. The storm lasted about 15-20 minutes. It was just like a tornado.

"It just did the damage and then departed. All the black bins were on the floor, it washeer bedlam. I’ve not had too much damage, I’ve got away scot-free."

For dramatic pictures of the storm see tomorrow's Derby Telegraph.

Have you been badly affected by the weather today? If so, call 01332 253053 or e-mail newsdesk@derbytelegraph.co.uk