A woman told how she watched in horror as the roof of a neighbouring house was ripped off in high winds.

As storm force gales hit Huddersfield today, powerful gusts lifted the roof of a house under construction.

The drama happened in Bourn View Road, Netherton, about 1pm.

Andrea Mankelow, 61, was looking out of an upstairs window when she saw the roof lift up and crash down into the garden.

“I happened to be looking out and the roof just lifted into the air, hovered and landed in what would have been the front garden,” she said.

“It seemed to last several seconds, almost slow motion. It could have gone anywhere but there was nothing I could do but watch.”

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Neighbours say the stone property – believed to be owned by a Barnsley builder – has been partially-built for some time.

No work is thought to have taken place on it since the summer of 2012.

The roof, which had not been tiled, was covered in plastic sheeting.

Mrs Mankelow said the house remained open at the back and a big picture window had no glass in it.

“The wind must have just whipped inside and lifted the roof,” she said.

Another neighbour Marjorie Mortimer, 72, described what happened as “frightening.”

She added: “I didn’t see it but I heard this almighty thud.

“I looked out and saw the roof had gone.

“At first I thought it might have landed on our roof! We only had it replaced in the summer.”

Mrs Mortimer said the stricken roof structure was a danger.

“I have reported it to Kirklees Council,” she said.

“Even after the winds died down a bit it was still rocking. It’s a real mess.”

The Examiner understands neighbours have complained to the council about the unfinished state of the house.

The Examiner left a voicemail message for the builder but he did not respond.

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