A tree was “struck by lightning” last night in one of the city’s parks.

Police were at the corner of London Road and Peacock Lane in Brighton, next to Withdean Park, at around 8pm last night.

The tree was snapped at its base and lying in London Road.

It came after Sussex was battered by Storm Claudio yesterday.

A yellow weather warning was in place from midnight until 8am, although strong winds and torrential rain continued into the afternoon.

The West Pier partially collapsed and there was also minor flooding on roads, as well as several falling trees around the county.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "We received a report of a fallen tree at about 8pm.

"Brighton and Hove City Council's Highways team were advised."

A council spokesman said: "This was cleared up by our in-house emergency crew who deal with highway tree emergencies.

"My understanding is that they cleared the carriageway starting at around 9.30pm last night.

"We’re unable to confirm or otherwise whether it was caused by a lightning strike – or whether it was another wind related incident."