Storm Ciara: Portsmouth flats evacuated by firefighters after high winds tear off tenants' roof

Kings Estates confirmed people living in the third-storey rented properties in Havant Road, Drayton, were ushered out by firefighters at 2pm on Sunday.

A crew from Cosham was called at 1.14pm after the building’s roof began to peel away, before a large segment fell on to a neighbouring property.

A Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said the scene was made ‘as safe as possible’ and residents were advised to leave.

Some are now staying with friends.

People in the two floors below, including estate agent Fine and Country, were not evacuated. The shop was open as usual on Monday.

The spokeswoman added: ‘Notes were left for anybody not in their flats and the electrics were switched off in all affected properties.’

The disruption came on the same day a 58-year-old man died when a falling tree hit his car on the A33 near Micheldever just before 4pm.

In Portsmouth, high winds ripped a metal star from the city artist Pete Codling's Treadgold Fish installation outside Portsmouth Cathedral in Old Portsmouth.

The work of art is used to dispose of plastic bottles and has been based at a host of prominent Portsmouth landmarks.

Mr Codling said: ‘The fish has been outside Portsmouth Cathedral for about a month and has collected thousands of plastic bottles.

SEE ALSO: D-Day veteran John Jenkins remembered at packed Portsmouth Cathedral memorial

‘The star which has fallen off is actually a weather vane made from old copper and brass, so is pretty important to the sculpture.

‘In the strong winds it’s come loose and flown off – but we have absolutely no idea where it’s gone.'

John Griffiths, a Met Office meteorologist, said Portsmouth will face gusts up to 50mph on Tuesday with a chance of sleet and ‘wet snow’.

He said the conditions would affect the highest points in the city, particularly in the north.

Gusts will slow on Wednesday, before speeding up to between 50 and 60mph on Thursday, when showers will also occur.

If you find the star, call Pete on 07503 105 655.