THIS was the scene of devastation when a tree toppled onto a passing car and blocked a major road in Prestwich.

Mum Karen Lawson and her eight-year-old daughter had a miraculous escape after the stormy weather caused the tree to crash down onto Bury Old Road on Tuesday last week.

She was driving her Volkswagen Golf car along the road towards Whitefield, approaching Heaton Park Social Club, when strong winds blew the tree onto the car's bonnet.

The pair were able to scramble out of the car, severely damaged by the tree which blocked the entire width of the road and brought traffic to a standstill.

Afterwards, Mrs Lawson wrote on Facebook said: "It was pretty shocking, really.

"We are okay. It was myself and my eight-year-old daughter. It was an absolutely horrific shock. I feel really lucky."

Linda Medhurst, who witnessed the incident, said: "I was about three cars behind.

"A little Volkswagen took the brunt and it was trapped, although the occupants thankfully squeezed out okay.

"A car coming in the opposite direction was also badly damaged but the driver had cleared the main part before it landed. Everyone was very lucky."

The incident happened during high winds and rain at about 7pm.

Police were called to the scene and taped off a stretch of Bury Old Road for about two hours and diversions were put in place.

Officers worked with fire crews and Bury Council staff to remove the two vehicles from beneath the tree and to clear the tree from the road.

A Prestwich Police spokesman said: "We would like to thank motorists for their patience during the road closure."