NEW photographs have revealed the damage caused by a huge tree which crashed to the ground yesterday.

The tree in Montpelier Crescent, Brighton, is thought to be hundreds of years old and appears to have split three ways down the centre of its trunk.

It shattered car windows when it fell at around 12.30pm, with East Sussex Fire Service called to cordon off the scene.

Residents from the area gathered in the evening, with many saying the tree was a large part of their lives.

Some were at home and heard the Holm Oak tree as it came “clattering down”. 

While others said they were shocked to find it on the ground when they returned from work.

It is understood an impromptu candlelight vigil was held in the park yesterday.

And many people shared memories online of days spent in the sunshine having fun with friends under the tree.

Others said they remember it from their childhood, spending happy days playing in the park.

The fire brigade requested a representative from Brighton and Hove City Council and a tree surgeon attend the scene.

A city council spokesman said: “Very sadly, a large evergreen oak known as the Holm Oak collapsed on Montpelier Crescent yesterday.

“Our arboriculture team attended yesterday and our contractor cleared the tree.

“The oak was showing no outward signs of instability or visible signs of decay. So we won’t be sure why it collapsed until we investigate further.

“We believe the tree was around 200 years old. It had the largest spreading canopy in the city and will be sorely missed.”