AREAS of Colchester were shut off as violent Storm Eunice winds battered the east of England.

The Met Office issued a red warning raising serious concerns of potential danger to life due to the extremely strong gusts.

The warning, in place between 10am and 3pm, came to fruition as significant disruption and damage occurred across Colchester.

Essex Police urged people to stay at home as it stated it was at the scene of fallen down trees on numerous roads, helping stuck lorries and multiple vehicle crashes.

Colchester Council suspended its garden waste collections as residents were asked to take it back in and put it out on their next collection date.

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Concerned workers also urged residents to weigh their rubbish down with a brick or large stone in fear of waste being blown away.

Colchester Zoo shut throughout the day, with a spokesman stating it took the decision in order to protect its staff, guests and animals.

He advised people with tickets they can exchange them for another date.

All outdoor public sports activity was suspended at Leisure World and Colchester Sports Park as indoor activity was allowed to resume as normal.

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However Castle Park was shut all day while High Woods Country Park’s main and Chanterelle car parks were closed.

A Colchester Council spokesman said: “We advise people not to visit the park during the storm.”

With the exception of funeral-goers, Colchester Cemetery also closed its doors amid the heavy winds.

Those attending a funeral on the day were advised to use the main crematorium entrance off Mersea Road.

And Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Musuem and Colchester’s Visitor Information Centre were shut all day due to Castle Park being closed.

The Natural History Museum kept its doors open as per usual on Friday, but Colchester Market was cancelled amid safety concerns.

There was trouble for commuters as well, as Greater Anglia suspended all its train services to allow Network Rail staff time to remove trees and repair the infrastructure.

The A12 Ipswich-bound between Spring Lane and The Jobserve Community Stadium also saw slow moving traffic due to debris.