Sunday storm havoc

In the middle of a thunderstorm lasting about 20 minutes came a five-minute period in which a sudden high wind played havoc.

Damage was caused to the roof of PC World at Ravenside. Roads were quickly littered with fallen branches. Gutters quickly blocked with debris.

But it was a 400-yard stretch of De La Warr Parade which bore the brunt of the damage.

One caller to Sussex Police referred to having seen a "mini-tornado."

It was clear-up morning at De La Warr Parade on Monday as beach hut owners took stock of the damage.

At the scene, residents of Sutton Place said: "Suddenly it went dark. A thunderstorm started. Then the wind suddenly picked up.

"It was quite frightening. The rain just fell across the windows."

Another said: "It was unbelievable - the wind and the rain. You could hardly see across our balcony."

Ken and Shirley Reid got back from Scotland to their Knole Road home to be greeted with the news that their 2,000 beach hut had been blown onto its side - despite being chained to the promenade wall.

On the beach on Monday, Mr Reid said: "We have been lucky. At least it's in one piece.

"We have had it about three years. I had just had it painted about a month ago...We try to keep it nice.

"We have problems with the vandals - but a storm like this is something else."

Daniel Ive had come down to check his beach hut with three of his four children.

Damage was random. Some huts had been toppled. One had been spun through 90 degrees.

Others were untouched.

The hut next to Mr Ive's was on its side. Though part had broken the handrail on his hut, it had escaped further damage.

He said: "I reckon even I could do a DIY job on that.

"Basically, we have got away with it."