A couple have said they are lucky to be alive, after being struck by the branches of a falling tree during yesterday's storm.

Saima Hussian, 42, and Marcel Bubelini, 38, of Oak Hill in Woodford Green, were walking to work yesterday at around 7am when a large tree was blown over. 

The main trunk of the tree fell just inches away from them, but the thick branches hit Ms Hussain.

As the tree began to fall, it broke off into two pieces, with one part landing directly on a car and the other in the centre of the pathway.

Mr Bubelini said: “We were walking along and the winds had really picked up. For some reason, I looked up, and saw the tree about to snap. Without saying anything, I took two or three steps back, and then fell over.

Mr Bubelini continued: “Saima looked at me and knew straight away that something was not right.

“We were underneath the debris and the branches had landed directly on top of the left side of Saima’s body."

The shocked couple slowly crawled out from underneath the tree.

“Honestly, we are so lucky and grateful to be alive" said Ms Hussian. 

Residents Sheila Herbert, 66, and Francesca Filistad, 68, of Oak Hill Court, witnessed the incident from their first floor flat.

Ms Filisted said: “If they had been walking on the path, they would be dead. They are very lucky to be alive."

Ms Herbert said she felt sick when she saw what had happened.

"I saw them crawl out from beneath the tree and debris. It made me feel sick. I called out to see if they were OK and wanted some help,” she said.

Laura Kingston, the owner of a white Mazda crushed by the tree, said: “I got a call from Sheila telling me the news. I immediately came home to see my car had been crushed by the tree.

“I’m absolutely gutted about the car, I only had it three years but I was lucky that I wasn't in the car when it happened and that no-one was seriously hurt.”

Ms Kingston has spoken to her insurance company and has been told she will be covered by the damage.