'Mini tornado' hits Tyrone

Buildings were damaged and windows broken

A small freak tornado has swept through County Tyrone causing damage to buildings and cars.

The Meterological Office confirmed that the high winds which hit the area on Thursday afternoon were a mini tornado.

Although the tornado took everyone by surprise, there were no reports of any injuries.

The Met Office said the weather system passed the outskirts of Omagh at about 1600 GMT.

Broken windows

People on the street had to hurry into shops to escape the tornado.

Windows were broken, cars crashed into each other, slates lifted off rooves and debris flew through the air.

Jason McMinn, who works in Kelly's Inn bar in Garvaghy, said there was "utter chaos".

"There was just this freak gust of wind and people were trying to rush to get inside," he said.

"But it was very hard once people were inside to keep the doors closed.

"In the forecourt cars were being blown against each other. There was a lot of damage done to cars."

The Met Office forecast slightly wet but calm weather for the rest of the night.