A large horse-chestnut tree narrowly avoided smashing into actor Jude Law’s newly-refurbished Highgate home in fierce gales that have battered the capital.

The tree, thought to be about 150 years old, uprooted and fell onto a grass-covered reservoir in Highgate Village on Friday, February 7.

Mark Sumray, associate director at the Highgate Village branch of estate agents Benham & Reeves, said Mr Law had a lucky escape as the Hollywood star has just finished renovating his home.

“It could have easily fallen the other way and on to his house,” he said.

“Or it could have blocked the road, but luckily, the wind was blowing in the right direction and it fell forward.”

No injuries have been reported in the north of the borough.