A rabbit had a lucky escape after the roof of his hutch blew away during Storm Ciarán.

The Sussex coast was struck by gale-force winds and heavy rain yesterday, causing damage to homes and widespread disruption to power supplies and public transport.

Harold the rabbit, one of 12 rabbits living at South Downs Guinea Pig Rescue in Ford, near Littlehampton, had the roof of his wendy house blown away during the storm.

Fortunately, Harold escaped the ordeal unscathed and was relocated to a bigger summerhouse.

Other animals at the rescue centre remained safe.

The Argus: The roof of Harold's home was blown off during the stormThe roof of Harold's home was blown off during the storm (Image: Jenny Dorney)

Jenny Dorney of South Downs Guinea Pig Rescue told The Argus: “I heard the roof rip off and dashed out in the wind and rain, got Harold to safety and then made sure the roof parts couldn’t blow off any more.

“I am just pleased Harold is ok. He is an older bunny and recently lost his wife.”

Winds of up to 62mph were recorded along the Sussex coast yesterday as the storm caused disruption and damage to buildings.

A “tornado” was also reported by residents and business owners in Sompting, which reportedly ripped off roof tiles and scattered debris in its wake.