Saharan dust falls in UK as 'blood rain' covering cars and homes in red dirt

Dust from the Sahara Desert has settled in the UK, falling as “blood rain” after being blown over from north Africa.

Dust particles were swept high into the air by gales in the Sahara and then transported to the UK before being deposited on the ground during rain showers, according to the Met Office.

Motorists around Britain shared pictures of their dust-covered cars following the dump.

The deposits are particularly visible on cars and windows and southern parts of the UK were worst hit, forecasters said.

People took to Twitter to joke about washing their cars, with BBC journalist James Vickery saying: "Anyone else have a fine layer of dust on their cars this morning? Or have I been living in denial that mine REALLY needs that wash?"

Another Twitter user said: "Thanks Sahara Dust. Now I can wash the car again."

Most of the dust was deposited on Tuesday, with many waking up on Wednesday to find red dust settled outside their homes.

The rare phenomenon also saw "blood rain" settle in Portsmouth, where residents posted photos of their red dust-covered cars.

Met Office forecaster Mark Wilson said: "Strong winds over the Sahara whip up dust.

"That goes into the sky and upper part of the atmosphere and heads towards the UK.

"Once we get some rain, that washes it out the sky and onto the ground."

Changing weather systems mean that further deposits of the red dust are not likely, according to the Met Office.

Additional reporting by PA.