WAR graves at Ipswich cemetery appear to have escaped being crushed after an 80-foot beech tree was brought down on top of them by gales.The massive tree was brought down as high winds hit the region over the weekend – but it was not discovered until workmen arrived in the cemetery today.

WAR graves at Ipswich cemetery appear to have escaped being crushed after an 80-foot beech tree was brought down on top of them by gales.

The massive tree was brought down as high winds hit the region over the weekend - but it was not discovered until workmen arrived in the cemetery today.

However it is believed that the graves have escaped damage and the war memorial is today still standing tall beneath the branches.

The tree has covered the Second World War graves in the Old Cemetery - and experts were today due to work out how to clear it up.

Cemetery manager Mike Grimwood said today: "To describe this as a big tree is a complete understatement - it's absolutely huge.

"It's covering the whole of the World War Two section of the cemetery. We've got it cordoned off although to be honest I don't think there's any danger to anyone.

"The tree's down now - it's not going to go anywhere else!" he said.

Because of its size, experts were due at the site later today to work out how to cut it up and dispose of it.

Mr Grimwood said: "We're hoping to start clearing it up tomorrow - but that will be a very big operation. This isn't going to be easy to clear."

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission pays for the war cemeteries to be maintained and was today being told about the incident.