We were eating breakfast when the ROOF of a nearby home smashed into our kitchen in Storm Eunice

A DEVASTATED family were eating breakfast when the ROOF of a nearby home smashed into their kitchen during Storm Eunice.

Martin Small and his family were just starting their day when the metal roof crashed into their home and destroyed their garden in Ernesettle, Plymouth.

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The raging red weather warning Storm Eunice caused havoc across the country yesterday – and the Small family were shocked when the roof from local River View Care Home landed in the garden.

Their windows were smashed in, fence crushed, and garden destroyed in the horror ordeal at 10am on Friday.

Storm Eunice brought Brits to a standstill yesterday with 122mph winds.

The family had been eating breakfast in the garden when they “jumped out of their skin” – but thankfully no one was hurt.

Speaking about their ordeal, Martin told PlymouthLive: “We’re a little bit shaken, we were sat at the table having breakfast and then the roofs come through the window.

“We didn’t expect this. We nearly jumped out of our skins. It’s not just a large piece of metal, half the roof has come through our window.

“The fence is totally destroyed, the ornamental garden is totally destroyed, the window on the back of the conservatory will have to be replaced.”

Martin said that the roof, which flew off the nearby care home during the horror winds, was roughly 10 metres by 40 metres long.

A massive clean-up effort began this morning after Eunice brought widespread damage, disruption and record-breaking 122mph gusts of wind to the UK – leading to the deaths of at least four people.

The treacherous conditions led to travel chaos, flight cancellations, power cuts and police forces being inundated with calls.

MORNING SCARE

Train networks were plagued by flying debris – and there was extensive damage to buildings and homes with the roof of the O2 ripped off.

The nationwide repair bill is reportedly expected to soar above £500million – with insurance companies braced for a huge spike in payouts.

A spokesperson for Aster Group, who own River View care home, said: “We’re deeply concerned about the ongoing situation at River View.

“Our absolute priority is the safety of our customers and we’re working with the local authority and emergency services to respond to the situation.

“Colleagues from our customer services team are on site providing reassurance to those affected and we’ll continue to work closely with our partners to ensure suitable temporary accommodation and support is available to every customer.”

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police were notified at around 10am to reports that part of a roof had blown off a residential home on Hornchurch Road in Plymouth.

“Fire services are on the scene and no injuries have been reported.”

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