OFFICE workers escaped injury when a huge tree crashed down in Evesham on Monday due to high winds caused by the tail end of hurricane Katia hitting the UK.

The 80-year-old tree smashed into estate agents R A Bennett & Partners in Vine Street causing damage to the outside of the building.

Craig Costello, who was there when the tree hit, said: “I was sat working and then there was a loud noise and I jumped up out my seat.

It gave me a bit of a shock.”

The fallen tree, measuring about 40ft, also damaged the control box for the pelican crossing, leaving the traffic lights out of order for more than 24 hours.

Town and county councillor John Smith was at the scene shortly after the tree had fallen. He said: “A lot of those trees are very mature so in these sorts of conditions there is always a slight risk of damage. No one was injured and I hope we can replace the tree.”

Stephen Saunders, regional manager of RA Bennett, said he was worried about other trees on the road.

Worcestershire County Council said trees were routinely inspected to ensure they are well maintained and healthy. Spokesman Lottie Broom said: “We will arrange for a tree surgeon to inspect the remaining trees on the road to see if there is any cause for concern.”

The county council said another two trees, one on Worcester Road, Evesham, and another on Field Barn Lane, Cropthorne, were blown down on Monday.