Motorists are being warned of winds of more than 70 mph and possible snow in the North East, Cumbria, Yorkshire and Greater Manchester.

The Met Office issued the warning on Saturday, saying driving conditions could become dangerous.

The boy was killed at Dunham Park, Altrincham, Cheshire. A girl of two and two other people were injured.

They were taken to Trafford General Hospital. Police believe the dead boy and the others were walking in the park when the tree was blown down by high winds.

Bridge closure

The Met Office warned winds gusting at up to 75mph would make driving hazardous on main roads such as the M1, A1/A1M, A19 and M62.

But the worst of the weather will be across the higher ground of the Pennines and the Lake District.

Drivers have been warned to expect snow on these high-level roads.

Visibility will be poor as the snow is whipped up by the high winds.

The Met Office spokesman said snow showers could also affect other parts of England, but were not expected to cause problems on lower ground.

Further south, strong winds forced the closure of the M48 old Severn bridge crossing near Bristol in both directions from Saturday afternoon.