Storm Henk batters UK – as 94mph gusts cause widespread disruption and damage

Storm Henk has battered the UK with winds of up to 94mph, felling trees and scaffolding.

Henk has pummelled southwest England and south Wales, with many parts of southern England, the south Midlands and East Anglia also experiencing strong winds.

Gusts of 94mph were recorded on the Isle of Wight, with fallen trees blocking a rail line in Hastings – causing major delays.

Thameslink, South Western Railway and Southern Railway have told passengers not to travel unless necessary.

Footage has shown planes struggling to land at Heathrow, with one BA jet taking off again as it reached the runway during a landing.

In other developments:

• Police say a “hero” entered flood water in Hall Green, Birmingham, to rescue a trapped driver and three-year-old child
• A woman was hit by a tree in Orpington, southeast London, and taken to hospital with injuries not thought to be life-threatening
• An Apache helicopter on an army airfield in Middle Wallop, Hampshire, was toppled in high winds

An amber warning for wind – issued by the Met Office – expired at 8pm on Tuesday evening.

Forecasters had warned of flying debris and a danger to life from large waves in coastal areas.

Motorists were urged to drive slowly, and homeowners were told to secure garden furniture and other loose objects.