A SHOCKED resident filmed a funnel cloud, which looks like a mini tornado, forming in the skies above Colchester.

The funnel cloud was spotted by Gazette reader Bethan Briggs-Miller at about 3.45pm on Thursday afternoon.

She filmed the unusual cloud starting to form in the sky and gradually getting closer towards the ground.

Funnel clouds or 'tuba' are extending, spinning fingers of cloud that reach towards the ground, but never touch it.

When they do reach the ground they become a tornado, according to the Met Office.

Bethan said: "It was weird. It all went really quiet and the sky went so dark - literally not a breath of wind. Very Eerie.

"It nearly touched down but gave up."

Here is a video Bethan filmed this afternoon:

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The Met Office say the UK sees between 30-35 tornadoes a year, although it is “very rare” they would cause significant damage. 

Just last month a tornado formed hit Barking in East London.

You can read more about funnell clouds here.