First victim of Storm Darragh is named as beloved football coach who was killed after tree fell onto his van in gale-force winds

The first victim of Storm Darragh has been named as a beloved football coach who was killed after a tree fell onto his van near a police force’s headquarters.

Paul Fiddler, who was in his 40s, suffered serious injuries after a tree fell onto his Citroen van at the scene on the A59 in Longton, Lancashire, on Saturday.

Emergency services raced to the scene at around 9am, but despite their efforts, he could not be saved.

His death was the first of two linked to the storm, which has caused chaos on Britain’s roads and rail services, as well as severe flooding. 

More than 259,000 houses have lost electricity, as roofs were ripped up and trees were brought down across the country following the Government’s ‘risk-to-life’ alert. 

Lytham Town FC today described Mr Fiddler — who worked at a local TV shop — as a ‘well-loved coach, football player, gaffer but most of all a true friend.’

The club’s website listed him as first team assistant manager.

A spokesman said in a statement: ‘Today, we would like to take the time to remember a Lytham Town FC legend, Paul Fiddler.

‘Our thoughts are with the Lytham Town lads, his friends and family at this time.

‘Rest in Peace Paul. We will miss you.’

Paul Fiddler, who was in his 40s, suffered serious injuries after a tree fell onto his Citroen van at the scene on the A59 in Longton, Lancashire, on Saturday

Paul Fiddler, who was in his 40s, was killed after a tree fell onto his van near a police headquarters – he is pictured here with his wife Jayne 

Paul’s niece Katie Elliott wrote: ‘I love you so much uncle Paul. I wish I could have known or even said goodbye to you’

Paul’s niece Katie Elliott wrote: ‘I love you so much uncle Paul. I wish I could have known or even said goodbye to you. I am missing you more than ever, and you will always be in my heart.

‘All I could ask for is for you to message me back and make fun of me like you always would and speak to you for one last time.

‘Thankyou for everything you have ever done for me and being the best uncle I could ask for, and I hope wherever you are you know how many people are here for you.’  

One of Paul’s friends wrote on social media: ‘My heart goes out to Paul’s family during this sad time for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

‘Paul was a massive support for countless families in their moments of need, and his kindness will always be remembered.’

Another person said: ‘So very sad. RIP Paul. Fly high lad, and thank you for everything you did to help families like mine.

‘You will never be forgotten, deepest condolences to his family.’

A third added: ‘Rest in peace Paul. One of the nicest blokes you could ever meet. Thoughts are with your family.’

A fourth wrote said: ‘Rest in peace Paul. Such a wonderful person always went out his way to help.

‘Thank you for all you have done over the years. Sending lots of love and prayers to you and your family right now.’

Lytham Town FC described Mr Fiddler — who worked at a local TV shop — as a ‘well-loved coach, football player, gaffer but most of all a true friend’

One of Paul’s friends wrote on social media: ‘My heart goes out to Paul’s family during this sad time for everyone who had the privilege of knowing him’

Another friend of Paul’s said: ‘Waking up and realising that the news story is actually about your pal is absolutely heart breaking Paul Fiddler. Rest in peace and my thoughts are with you and your family.’ 

Detective Sergeant Matt Davidson of Lancashire Police, said: ‘Very sadly this incident has resulted in the death of a man and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.

‘An investigation is ongoing, and I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened or has any dashcam or mobile phone footage to please get in touch.’

The force has appealed to witnesses for any information.

Among the footage captured of Storm Darragh this weekend was a pilot bringing a wobbling British Airways plane precariously into land, amid blustery conditions, at Heathrow airport in west London.

Storm Darragh was also seen hammering Cornwall’s coastline and whipping up spectacular sea foam – while kiosks were knocked over on the pier at Llandudno in North Wales.

Other scenes caught on film included a tree toppling into a car in South Wales and the popular promenade in seaside resort Blackpool being battered.

NORTHERN IRELAND: A huge tree blocks the slip road to the M1 to Belfast in Ballycare

NORTHERN IRELAND: An Airport bus has crashed into a property on the Ballyrobin Road near Antrim in Northern Ireland 

The Met Office issued yellow and amber warnings across Britain on Saturday 

Residents of the worst-hit areas in Northern Ireland as well as the western coasts of Wales and England were urged to stay indoors amid fears that flying debris and falling trees could lead to fatalities.

Darragh also wreaked havoc with traffic as the Prince of Wales Bridge over the River Severn and the nearby Severn Bridge were closed, while many rail services and flights have been disrupted due to strong winds.

Sports events across the UK and Ireland were thrown into disarray, including a Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton which was axed over safety fears.

And fans who did attend games going ahead shared footage of the haphazard conditions, with players struggling to take set-pieces as winds clustered around them.

There were more travel warnings issued on Sunday morning, with Great Western Railway announcing would be no services between Plymouth and Penzance and on all Cornish branch lines until at least 4pm.

Dozens of flood warnings and more than 200 flood alerts are in place today

Rough seas are seen near the Tynemouth pier lighthouse on the River Tyne, as Storm Darragh hits the UK and Ireland

Kiosks were seen knocked over on the pier at Llandudno in North Wales as storms swept in

The firm also suggested told of changes to services between London Paddington and Bristol Temple Meads, including no stops at Chippenham in Wiltshire.

Tree surgeons were called to a street in upmarket South Kensington, west London, this morning after a tree plunged to the ground and blocked the road.

After the second confirmed death, West Midlands Police said they were called to Silver Birch Road in the Birmingham district of Erdington, just after 3pm yesterday, following reports that a tree had fallen and hit a car as a result of the storm conditions.

Sgt Benjamin Parsons, of the force’s Roads Policing Unit, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the man’s family at this time, and his next of kin have been informed.

‘A report will be passed onto the coroner. Anyone who saw what happened or who may have dashcam or mobile phone footage, is asked to please get in touch.’ 

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds described the storm as a ‘challenging situation’, adding: ‘About 3million homes will have had the emergency alert system to their mobile phone. I would just encourage anyone who has had that to follow the advice.’  

On Sunday morning there were 65 flood warnings and 149 flood alerts in place in England, plus 25 flood warnings in Wales, with the Environment Agency warning people not to drive through flood water and to avoid from swollen rivers and coastal paths.

It added: ‘Heavy rain may cause flash flooding. It’s important you know how to prepare.’

The Met Office’s red weather warning for wind – its most serious – has caused the cancellation of events this weekend, including Christmas attractions, and the closure of all royal parks.