A powerful storm hit Britain on Saturday after a rare red warning, leaving thousands without power and disrupting travel and sporting events.

Around 3 million people in Wales and south-west England were warned by the government to stay indoors as the storm has already battered parts of the country.

The message warned people of life-threatening danger due to "flying debris, falling trees and large waves around coastal areas".

It followed a rare red warning, the most serious kind, from Britain's Met Office earlier on Friday for wind.

According to National Grid, more than 55 households are now without power in south-west England, South Wales and the West Midlands.

Several flights and train services have been delayed by the strong winds, with hundreds of cancellations and several disrupted landings at London's Heathrow Airport, with others diverted to Germany.

Saturday's derby between Everton and Liverpool was also called off due to bad weather.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said at the X that the government is working on the ground to keep people safe. /AA