THIS is the aftermath caused when a huge 70ft pine tree came crashing down over a footpath and into the ground of a Hampshire school.

The hefty Monterey Pine smashed through a fence at Wyvern College on Monday, crashing into the school's tennis court and narrowly missing a bike shed.

School bosses say no-one was present at the time the tree fell, from nearby Fair Oak Cemetery.

However the cemetery, which has up to 15 other similar trees, was sealed off overnight due to safety fears.

Parts of Wyvern College were cordoned off to students, while Wyvern Tennis Club were forced to postpone sessions on Monday night.

A spokeswoman for the Fair Oak Parish Council said a number panels were damaged in the incident and described it as a "great relief" that no-one was hurt.

She added that the recent heatwave, which has seen temperatures soar as high as 30C, could have caused the tree to fall.

The spokeswoman said: "It is thought that the tree fell owing to the extreme heat destabilising the roots of the tree.

"The last tree inspection undertaken in February, commissioned by the Parish Council, highlighted no issues of concern, further confirming that the current heatwave is the likely cause of the incident."

Following the incident, council contractors began removing chunks of the fallen pine.

As a result, several children, who cycled to school that day, had to make alternatives arrangements, as access to their bikes was restricted as a health and safety precaution.

Tree surveyors were also called to inspect the remaining pines at the cemetery - which are said to be "safe and secure".

According to the council, college students have since been allowed to their bikes and the cemetery has reopened.

In a joint statement, the council and college added: "We would like to thank everyone involved in responding to the incident and ensuring the safety of the pupils and local residents."