Paris - A tornado in northern France has killed three people and injured at least nine, France Info television channel reported Monday.

The mini-tornado struck overnight in the villages of Neuf-Mesnil and Maubeuge near the Belgian border.

It tore off part of the roof of an old people's home in the town of Hautmont and caused 40 houses to collapse.

The tornado uprooted trees and felled electricity lines.

Rescue workers were continuing to search for victims of the storm. (dpa)