Severe storms hit southern Sweden

The waterfront in Malmo was lashed by huge waves

Severe storms have battered southern Sweden, killing at least three people, disrupting transport and leaving about 270,000 homes without electricity.

The victims - who included a nine-year-old boy - were all struck by falling trees.

Winds on the south-west coast reached speeds of nearly 150km/h (93mph) on Sunday but have since slackened.

Rail services were suspended because trees had been blown onto tracks. Road and air traffic were also badly hit.

Road traffic was suspended on the giant Oresund bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark.

Ferry services were also cancelled from the Swedish mainland to Gotland, Frederikshavn in Denmark and Sassnitz in Germany.

Sweden's The Local website says power companies were unable to send staff out to reconnect households because of the harsh conditions.