At least one person has died and 10 people have been hurt after a tornado swept through a historic town in the Netherlands.

The storm unleashed widespread damage, ripping the roofs off homes and pulling down trees in the coastal town of Zierikzee, around 44 miles (77km) southwest of Rotterdam, on Monday.

Dramatic pictures and footage shared on social media showed a “waterspout” close to the town as the tornado circled the sky, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

A car was pictured surrounded by debris after a tree fell on it following the whirlwind, which sent tiles and furniture flying through the streets.

Many people descended on the area to watch or attempt to help the emergency services, who are currently trying to assess the full extent of the damage caused.

The area has now been cordoned off and members of the public have been urged to stay away from the scene and give crews the space to work.

“There is, sadly, one fatality to mourn as a result of the whirlwind,” Veilig Zeeland, which coordinates emergency responses in the region, said in a statement.

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“In addition, the first assessment is around 10 injured.”

The organisation also posted on its website: “There are many people who go to the area to watch or help, this hinders the emergency services and can be dangerous due to loose branches, roof tiles etc.”

Winds in a storm passing through the country were measured at around 75km per hour, according to the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI).

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The clean-up has now begun in the seaside town, home to just over 10,000 people.

Residents who have been affected by the tornado have been asked to report to the town hall.

Tornadoes are rare in the Netherlands but more common in the summer, the KNMI said.

The town’s mayor, Jack van der Hoek, is expected to hold a news conference later on Monday.

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