A PERSON is being treated for minor injuries after a ‘tornado’ ripped through Quintrell Downs, Holywell Bay and St Newlyn East causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage on Thursday morning.

Emergency services attended after caravans were blown over at Holywell Bay when the twister struck at about 9.45am.

Residents feared for their lives in Quintrell Downs as the tornado damaged more than 100 properties, which included a roof being ripped off a building and tiles being torn from roofs.

A pig pen was also hurled into the road by the violent wind and trees were felled.

At least one tree was blown onto the Newquay branchline. Several greenhouses and fencing have been damaged.

Residents say Trethiggey Crescent, Vyvyan Drive, Figgy Road and Willow Close were among the streets that were badly hit.

A clear up operation is now underway before the damage is repaired.

Steve Beckett said: “I went out just after it hit about 9.45am. It was very windy in the valley but fortunately the worst of it missed down here.

“There was lots of debris on the ground including roof tiles, a pig pen and a whole flat roof blocking the bridleway by the Two Clomes, which we managed to move aside. Here were trees down on the main road through Quintrell Downs.

“The roof has been lifted a fair distance. It is definitely not a shed roof though as it is far too big for that.”

Resident Peter Grifda added: “I opened the back door after hearing a bang outside.

“On opening the back door, I heard a load whistling noise and felt the door pushing open.

“I saw flying debris in the sky, and I struggled to close the door. I had to use all my strength. Then inside looking outside I saw bins and my small shed fly across my front garden.”

Ulla Kennedy said: “It was definitely the scariest winds I have ever experienced.”

Various vehicles were damaged by debris.

Tamsin Williams said: “It was a random path as some roofs in Vyvyan Drive are fine yet there are others with tiles off, holes and fences down.”

Joanne Rance added: “Over 40 houses were affected in Figgy Road. I genuinely thought we were going to die.”

The Met Office issued a tornado warning ahead of the arrival of Storm Eowyn, which is set to batter the UK coast with 100mph winds.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Due to Storm Eowyn, we are experiencing an increased volume of calls related to weather related incidents.

“At this time this appears to be affecting coastal areas and roads.

“Please stay safe and follow Met Office advice on weather warnings and be vigilant if driving.

“Be assured officers and partners are deployed out to incidents as they are reported and will continue their efforts.

“There have been reports of caravans blowing at Holywell Bay, near Newquay.

“Officers are on scene dealing. One person has been treated for minor injuries.”

Video by Niamh Buck.