Motorists and passers by had an amazing escape when a tree came crashing down across the River Itchen and on to the main road near the Bishopstoke Post Office at the weekend.

Paul Munns, who lives in nearby Spring Road, said: "It is a miracle that no one was hit by the tree. This is a busy thoroughfare and it also happened on a busy Friday night.

"My wife came out of a shop and heard this big cracking noise and nearly jumped out of her skin."

Police were immediately alerted and local residents rallied round to cut back branches blocking the road.

Mr Munns said: "A local tree surgeon happened to be passing by and a couple of people came out of their houses with saws."

Traffic was diverted while it took about a hour to clear the road.