A homeless man staying in a tent in a city centre park has been crushed to death by a tree branch.

Police were called to Revoe Park, in Blackpool, Lancs., just before 5am this morning (Monday, September 15) after a massive branch fell off a mature tree in the park, killing a man inside a tent.

A local dog walker said the man, in his 40s, had been living rough in one of two tents pitched in the park over the past few days.

The walker said the tree branch had completely ‘crushed' a small green tent and come close to falling on a second larger tent occupied by a homeless couple.

Police said they had not yet confirmed if the man was homeless.

The death comes as strong and gusty winds batter much of England and Wales.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for wind, which has been in place from 8pm on Sunday and is expected to be lifted at 6pm today.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson said: "We were called at 4.55am today to Revoe Park, Central Drive, Blackpool, to a report that a tree branch had fallen on a tent and struck a man."

"The emergency services attended and found a man unresponsive."

"Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, very sadly the man – aged in his 40s - was pronounced deceased at the scene."

"Our enquiries are ongoing to trace his next of kin."

"The man's death is not being treated as suspicious, and a file will be passed in due course to HM Coroner."