A 'HUGE' tree has crashed down near a children's play park in Southampton.

The tree fell down in high winds, landing near to the nature play area on the south eastern edge of Southampton Common.

One passer-by, who described the tree as 'huge', said it had damaged fencing as it crashed down.

A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said the tree fell around 6am and contractors began working on the site around 12.30pm.

The spokesperson said part of the fencing was damaged by the tree and that the site had been made safe until further work takes place on Monday.