A VAST tree fell on top of a canal boat in Avoncliff shortly before midday today but luckily nobody was harmed. 

Wiltshire Fire and Rescue services, including three units, a dozen firefighters and a heavy rescue unit were busy this afternoon trying to clear the blocked canal and towpath near the aqueduct. 

Neil Hiscock, Watch Manager at Trowbridge Fire Station, said: "Fortunately there is nobody inside as the person who lives here is away at the moment.

"We have tried to contact him. We believe he spoke to one of our staff so he is probably aware of this.

"The situation is under control but the towpath and canal are completely blocked. We've got the specialist heavy rescue unit from Trowbridge to help with the lifting. 

"We are trying to do our best to get the tree to a pivot point so that we can lift it and move the boat forward." 

The canal trust team are also assisting the team in removing the wreckage.