A tree housing a family of birds on Richmond Bridge was blown over by high winds this morning.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Crikey: The tree before workers arrived

The tree, which was growing on the Twickenham side of the river, was in a private garden and came down before 7am. Workmen were sent by the council to remove it shortly after as the branches trailed over the pavement and road.

Douglas Dalziel, who lives in Cambridge Road, said it was very sad the birds’ home had been destroyed, and that he saw one this morning frantically collecting twigs.

He said: "I would see them taking twigs and building a nest in the tree. They were really quite brave to be so visible to everyone and it is very sad.

"I saw them every day on my commute and was looking forward to seeing them raise a little family in there."

Penelope Davidson, who works in a doctor’s surgery in Richmond Hill, said she was glad no one was hurt and the tree’s branches were cleared from the pavement quickly, but she was upset about the birds.

She said: "They will be homeless now, which is very sad."

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Happier times: The perfect home for nesting