Winter chaos grips Britain: Homeless man ‘freezes to death in car’ while sheltering from -10C temperatures as major incident is declared in Cumbria and drivers are told to only travel if necessary
- The man, who has not been named, relied on the car for heat and shelter
- Snow and ice have caused widespread disruption across the UK
- Are YOU affected by the snowy weather? Email [email protected]
A homeless man has died while he sheltered away from -10C temperatures in his car during the cold snap that has swept the country.
It is believed that the man, who has not been named, froze to death and firefighters had to be called to cut his body free.
Police officers were captured on video, which was circulated on X, gathered around a black car in Beeston, Nottinghamshire.
With an ambulance parked nearby, the man was removed from the frosted vehicle.
The tragedy came as a major incident was declared in Cumbria and drivers were told only travel if necessary.
A homeless man died while he slept in a car during the freezing temperatures that has swept the country
It is believed that the man, who has not been named, froze to death and firefighters were called to cut his body free as temperatures could drop as low as minus 12
The Met Office issued an amber warning for snow in Cumbria throughout Saturday, saying 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas before showers begin to ease overnight
One resident said: ‘People tried to get help for the poor guy in the past. What an awful and tragic waste of a life.
‘What is society coming to when a homeless person can freeze to death on a street in Britain?’
Nottinghamshire Police said they were called following reports of a man’s sudden death.
They cordoned off the scene at 10am on Friday morning and remained there until the evening.
It is thought that the man relied on the motor for warmth and shelter.
In a statement, Detective Inspector Claire Gould described the incident as ‘tragic’ but said it was not being treated as suspicious.
She said: ‘Police were called to Dallas York Road, Beeston, at around 10am (1 December) following reports of a man’s sudden death.’
‘Our thoughts are with this man’s family and friends at this difficult time’, she added.
The tragedy comes after Cumbria Police urged people not to travel to the county on Sunday as it declared a major incident because of heavy snowfall on the county’s roads.
Police officers were captured on video, circulated on X, gathered around a black car in Beeston, Nottinghamshire
The tragedy came as forecasters warned that 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas of the country over the weekend
The tragedy comes after Cumbria Police urged people not to travel to the county on Sunday as it declared a major incident because of heavy snowfall on the county’s roads
A person walks through snow above the Hole of Horcum at the North York Moors National Park, as scattered weather warnings for snow and ice are in place across the UK as temperatures plunged below freezing
The force said a multi-agency response was ongoing on Saturday evening to ‘minimise the challenges that heavy snowfall is continuing to have on the county’s road network’.
What does an Amber Warning mean?
The Met Office has issued an amber warning for snow in Cumbria throughout Saturday. This indicates:
- Travel delays on roads are likely, which could mean some vehicles are left stranded along with their passengers
- Power cuts are likely and other services, such as mobile phone coverage, may be affected
- There is a good chance that some rural communities could be cut off
- Delays and cancellations to rail and air travel are likely
Credit: The Met Office
It has urged people not to travel to the county on Sunday unless necessary, adding that some highway teams had been ‘verbally abused’ as they attempted to deal with the situation.
In a post on social media, Cumbria Police said: ‘A yellow weather warning for ice is in place for tomorrow morning which will have a continued impact on Cumbria’s roads.
‘We would also urge people not to travel to the county tomorrow unless necessary.’
Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service said it was utilising its 4 x 4 vehicles to help ‘vulnerable people stuck in the snow as required’, adding that it was assisting at reception centres.
The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued amber cold health alerts in five regions – the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber – until December 5, meaning ‘cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time’.
The weather service has also issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday covering much of the Midlands, Yorkshire, the north east and north west of England, and north and central Wales.
It said that while not everywhere will see accumulating snow, some places are likely to see 1-3cm, with 5-10cm possible over some hills and mountains in Wales, the Peak District and South Pennines.
Cumbria Police said the M6 southbound between J38 and J37 was blocked on Saturday due to jackknifed lorries and that the A595 between Millom and Furness was impassable.
National Highways said it was also dealing with a large number of stranded vehicles on Saturday evening, particularly on the M6 between J38 and J40.
Earlier on Saturday, Cumbria Police said it was aware of multiple reports of vehicles stuck in traffic in the South Lakes area, particularly in the Bowness and Grizedale areas, because of snow.
A train crosses the Viaduct in Ayrshire as central Scotland wakes up to a winter wonderland on Saturday
Glasgow woke to snow scenes on Saturday morning as temperatures plunged below freezing
The weather service has also issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday covering much of the Midlands, Yorkshire, the north east and north west of England, and north and central Wales
Superintendent Andy Wilkinson said: ‘We are continuing to see challenging conditions in Cumbria.
‘Agencies across the county have been working hard and will be into the night in response to the impact of heavy snowfall.
‘We are aware of a number of incidents in which highway teams and those assisting in the efforts to support those affected by the snow have been verbally abused.
‘We understand people’s frustration during this time; however, agencies are working hard to improve the situation in Cumbria and are also facing the challenging road conditions when responding.
‘The snow today ended up being much more significant than forecast and the amber warning that was put in place this afternoon is in place until midnight and, with a yellow warning from snow and ice tomorrow, we expect to continue to see challenging road conditions whilst these warning are in place. Therefore, we continue to ask people to not travel and to only do so if absolutely necessary.’
Ambleside resident Harrison Ward said the snow was the heaviest he had seen during eight years of living in the Cumbrian town, adding that lots of people had abandoned their vehicles on Saturday as they ‘tried to find refuge’.
Mr Ward, who works as an outdoor cook, said: ‘It really feels like you’re walking through the Alps or some ski resort at the moment.’
He added: ‘Once a few cars have stopped or crashed or been abandoned, then it all comes to a halt.
Police in Cumbria have warned the public to stay at home and only travel when necessary – particularly in the South Lakes and Millom areas. Pictured: Heavy snowfall on the M6 in Cumbria
It has issued an amber warning for snow in Cumbria throughout Saturday, saying 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas before showers begin to ease overnight
‘So we’ve seen complete gridlock through the town with lots of wheel spinning going on – there’s a real smell of burnt clutches in the air.
‘Some vehicles moved about 100 metres in an hour’s time.’
One driver said they were stuck between Ambleside and Windermere for more than five hours on Saturday.
The driver, who wished to remain anonymous, said: ‘We’ve had no communication from any of the authorities and we’ve not seen a single gritter trying to free anyone.
‘My wife and four-year-old had to walk two miles – there were cars driving on the wrong side of the road that caused more jams.’
The Met Office said Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland regions of Scotland were likely to see the lowest temperatures on Saturday night, with minus 12C possible in some valleys in these regions.
They are predicting the UK to be shrouded in freezing fog – with a 251-mile snowstorm that could sweep the nation on Sunday.
The Met Office has also issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday covering much of the Midlands, Yorkshire, the north east and north west of England, and North and Central Wales
Cumbria’s police force warned motorists to take care – as they posted a photo of one of their 4x4s in a snowy scene and said they were helping vehicles who had got stuck
A gritter lorry treats roads, with the Forth Bridge, Scotland, in the background, as snow and ice affect many parts of Scotland
The comedically-named gritters have been out in force as Scottish authorities mobilise the machines in an effort to keep the roads running
The forecaster said Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland regions of Scotland were likely to see the lowest temperatures on Saturday night, with minus 12C possible in some valleys in these regions.
The Met Office said frequent snow showers will bring further disruption to transport and infrastructure in the north west of England.
It added there is a ‘good chance that some rural communities could become cut off’ and power cuts were likely, with the potential for other services, such as mobile phone coverage, to be affected.
Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly said: ‘Snow could be heavy at times across Cumbria with the odd rumble of thunder… 10-15cm of snow is possible before showers begin to ease overnight.
‘A low pressure system will bring less cold but more unsettled weather for southern parts of the UK from tonight onwards, although northern areas will continue (to be) cold with wintry showers and sharp overnight frosts.
‘Many areas of England and Wales can then expect spells of rain for the start of next week, which could be heavy at times with a risk of flooding. Some higher hills across parts of North Wales and northern England could see further snow.’
Residents of Lake District villages grouped together on local Facebook groups to offer safe haven to families stuck in the snow.
The weather service warned that areas of rain or sleet falling on frozen surfaces may lead to icy conditions and some injuries may result from slips and falls.
It added: ‘Rain or sleet is expected to spread from west to east across the area overnight, falling on to frozen surfaces and leading to icy patches, perhaps even where treatment has been applied.’
Weather maps show the possibility of snow starting in Newcastle and ending in Worcester, with roads and railways likely to be affected.
Weather maps show the possibility of snow starting in Newcastle and ending in Worcester, with roads and railways likely to be affected
Snow could fall tonight, with some parts of the country experiencing 2cm of snow
The Met Office has said the parts of the country may see -12C tonight
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice covering much of the Midlands, Yorkshire and North and Central Wales from 6pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday
The cold conditions caused widespread disruption across the UK on Saturday with trains and flights cancelled and events postponed due to the weather.
Parts of Britain experienced snow on Friday night – with heavy snow in Scotland causing Glasgow Airport to suspend all flights which have since resumed.
Flurries of snow also fell in the southeast and southwest of England, with icy rails causing a power failure in Kent.
This led to the Southeastern service between Dover Priory and Ramsgate to be suspended.
The weather meant Manchester United’s flight to Newcastle was cancelled this morning ahead of their 8pm Premier League game, forcing them to travel by coach instead.
Pictured: A dog walker strolls along a frozen lake in Gateshead this morning
Pictured: Snow covered a vineyard in the Kent Downs after temperatures plummeted
A sheep stands in a snow covered field in the Kent Downs on Saturday
Pictured: Saltwell Park in Gateshead on Saturday morning
The Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for parts of the country on Saturday as temperatures dropped as low as -10C overnight. Pictured: Glasgow Saturday morning
The freezing temperatures haven’t stopped some walkers who ventured out
Snow covered the Blackpool coastline this morning as the Met Office issues yellow warnings on Saturday
Widespread travel disruption was being caused by the ice and snow
Temperatures dropped as low as 11C this morning according to The Met Office
Wood pigeons fly from a tree standing in a snow covered field. Pictured: Kent Downs on Saturday
A person walks through snow above the Hole of Horcum at the North York Moors National Park
The Met Office has warned of snow, ice and freezing fog. Pictured: Kent Downs on Saturday
The yellow weather warning, issued just before 9.30am on Saturday, follows others for snow and ice that have already been issued for parts of Scotland, Cumbria, the eastern coast of England and a yellow warning of ice in the South West of England.
Football fans were left disappointed as the freezing conditions means the FA Cup second round clash between Crewe and Bristol Rovers was postponed.
This was because a pitch inspection found it was unsafe to play due to a ‘prolonged spell of sub-zero conditions’.
Crewe’s match with Bristol Rovers in the second round of the FA Cup on Saturday had also been called off and rearranged for December 12, with the playing surface deemed unsafe.
A number of Scottish Professional Football League matches were likewise postponed ahead of the weekend, with Dundee United’s trip to face Morton at Cappielow called off, and the game between Ayr and Arbroath at Somerset Park.
Pictured: A goat in the snow in the North York Moors National Park on Saturday
A farmer with her cattle in the snow in the North York Moors National Park
Remarkable footage shows icy mist rolling over cliffs in Dorset
And Manchester United’s team were due to board a flight at 11am on Saturday ahead of their match in Newcastle but this was also cancelled due to the weather.
Instead, the team faced a three-hour coach journey to Tyneside before they took on Newcastle at 8pm.
READ MORE – Stunning video captures freezing fog flowing over Dorset coastline after -10C overnight freeze across the UK
It comes after the first day of meteorological winter brought a cold snap across the UK yesterday, sparking panic among event organisers who have cancelled a raft of events including a Christmas fun run.
Several train services were cancelled or delayed due to the icy conditions, and adding to the chaos are the strikes by train drivers affecting East Midlands Railway and LNER services on Saturday.
ScotRail also posted on X to warn travellers that ‘heavy snow’ is impacting their rails.
It read: ‘Heavy snow is affecting multiple routes across the West of Scotland this morning.
‘The snow is affecting some signalling systems and staff are working as quickly as possible to rectify these just now. Please check your journey prior to travelling.’
The Met Office warned drivers and cyclists to be wary of slippery roads and said travelling by road or railway is likely to take longer due to icy patches
Yellow weather warnings are in place through to 11am on Saturday morning for the northern coast and southwest of Scotland, along with the southwest and the eastern coast of England
Lily Brown, eight, Rourke Fisher, eight, and Aurora Fisher, seven, play on the snowy sand at Blackpool beach on Saturday
Freezing overnight temperatures saw the lake freeze over and dog walkers enjoy the snow covered surroundings at Saltwell Park in Gateshead
The Angel of the North stands surrounded by snow on a chilly start to the day
Seagulls rested on the frozen lake at Saltwell Park in Gateshead during freezing weather
Scotland in particular had heavy snow fall over the last few days with temperatures dropping to -10C on Friday night.
READ MORE – Will it snow for Christmas 2023? Met Office reveals weather prediction for December
This led to Glasgow Airport suspending all their flights this morning.
A post on the Glasgow Airport’s X account read: ‘Flight operations are currently suspended due to heavier than forecast snow.
‘Our winter teams have been working through the night and we hope to resume operations as soon as possible.
‘Please check with your airline for further flight updates.’
But at 10:30, a post on their social media confirmed flights are resuming.
It read: ‘Our runway is now fully operational again and we are working with our airline partners and their handlers to resume flight schedules.
‘Passengers should continue to contact their airlines for further info. Thank you to everyone affected for their patience and understanding.’
Dale Hipkiss, National Network Manager at National Highways, said: ‘Plan ahead for your journey, check weather forecasts, and if weather conditions do become challenging whilst travelling, adjust your driving behaviour and take extra care.
‘If you do unfortunately find yourself in an unsafe or vulnerable situation and need assistance please contact the emergency services.
‘We have a guide to travelling in severe weather on our website. It’s also a good idea for people to check their vehicle’s tyres, coolant and oil levels before heading out to reduce the risk of a breakdown.’
The weather has also caused disruption to events across the UK, with a firework display due to take place at Stonham Barns Park on Saturday was cancelled due to the weather.
READ MORE – Drivers warned to use fog lights properly or risk £50 fine – as UK faces -10C freeze this weekend
Organisers said: ‘Unfortunately due to the weather and the condition of our field we have decided to cancel our firework night this weekend.’
It comes after several firework displays across Suffolk were postponed or cancelled due to poor weather in November.
The official parkrun cancelled dozens of events this weekend due to ‘weather’ and ‘frost and ice on the course’.
Organisers of the cancelled Albert Parkrun in Middlesborough quipped that ‘the pavement allows for ice skating rather than run’.
Motoring company Driving Experience has warned drivers to brush up on their knowledge of when to use their fog lights – or face fines of £50.
The company said that drivers who have their fog lights on during clear weather could be issued with fines.
Temperatures plunged to their lowest since March on Friday, which 30 schools to close or open late in Cornwall.
Several crashes were also reported on the roads in County Durham roads as a result of the snow.
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