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Storm Doris: University staff shocked after 'popular' colleague Tahnie Martin killed by flying debris in Wolverhampton

Tributes have been paid to a woman killed in Wolverhampton after being struck by flying debris caused by Storm Doris.

Tahnie Martin, 29, who worked at the University of Wolverhampton, died at the scene from head injuries after being struck by a large piece of wooden roofing while walking past a Starbucks cafe in the city centre, West Midlands Police said.

Ms Martin is believed to have been working in the university's marketing department as maternity cover. 

According to staff at Wolverhampton the accident happened after Ms Martin left the office to get lunch on Thursday afternoon. 

Colleague Dr Aiden Byrne, who she worked with closely, today described her as "irrepressibly optimistic and kind", adding that the last acts of Ms Martin's colleagues had been to "give her a hug" as she left the office the previous evening.

Dr Byrne, who is a course leader at the University of Wolverhampton, said: "Everyone in the English department is shocked and saddened by the death yesterday of Tahnie Martin.

"She organised our 50th anniversary dinner on Wednesday night, coping with us with humour and forbearance.

"She was irrepressibly optimistic and kind, full of ideas and always enthusiastic. We were so grateful to her, and we're glad that the last thing we did on Wednesday night was give her a hug and tell her how much we appreciated everything she did.

The university's vice-chancellor, Professor Geoff Layer, added: "We are all deeply saddened by this tragic loss.

"During Tahnie's short time at the university, she made a real impact both in a professional and personal capacity. She became a very popular member of the team and was highly valued."

Detective Inspector Paul Joyce said: "We are still trying to ascertain who the building belongs to and whether there is any criminal liability."

Ms Martin was fatally injured while walking with university colleagues in Dudley Street, Wolverhampton, at around midday on Thursday.

Ms Martin was the first of three victims to be killed during Storm Doris. 

On Thursday, a 32-year-old woman was blown into the path of a roadsweeper as she walking to pick up child from a nearby childminder in Swindon. 

The woman was pushing an empty pushchair, before being swept into the path of the vehicle. 

At New Cross, south east London, a lorry driver in his 50s was killed after his vehicle crashed during high winds. 

A girl was also left with life-threatening injuries after a ceiling collapsed in a school sports hall in Milton Keynes.

Storm Doris hits UK: in pictures

Thames Valley Police said "it is possible" the collapse was caused by the storm.

Police are to hold a joint investigation with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service to figure out the cause of the collapse at Southwood Middle School in Conniburrow, Milton Keynes.

Meanwhile, a man was left in a "serious condition" in a central London hospital, following reports of "debris falling from the roof of a building" by Victoria Station, the Metropolitan Police said.

Storm Doris swell

In Stoke-on-Trent a woman in her 60s was taken to hospital for a "serious head injury" after being hit by a carport roof.

A top wind speed of 94mph was recorded in Capel Curig, North Wales, on Thursday morning as StormDoris rolled across the UK.

The weather system which brought gales, snow and rain to much of the UK caused travel disruption on the roads and rail network, brought down trees, grounded planes and toppled large vehicles.

UK storm names 2017/18