Short-lived but fierce tornado kills three in northern France

Lille: At least three people were killed after a fierce but short-lived tornado hit northern France.

The tornado swept through four towns in the northern Lille region shortly before midnight on Sunday, damaging homes and uprooting trees in its path.

Residents in the four regions are assessing the extent of the damage.

Local authorities said 13 people had been hospitalised for injuries and three others were dead as a result of the tornado.

Rescue operations were underway to recover any more victims.