LONDON, Dec 7 (Reuters) - A small tornado hit a residential area of northwest London, injuring six people and damaging homes and vehicles, police and emergency services said on Thursday.

The tornado struck Kensal Rise shortly after 1100 GMT. It tore roofs off several houses and demolished sections of walls to send tiles, bricks and furniture flying through the streets.

Television footage showed a trail of destruction with trees uprooted and cars damaged by falling debris. Tornadoes, which can be extremely destructive, are very rare in Britain.

Local resident James Miles said he was standing talking to a friend when there was a flash of lightning, and then a big bang followed by rain.

"This horrendous tornado had just shot right through," he told Sky News. "A lot of people are shaken up because its not the sort of thing that happens in central London ... I saw it coming. It was grey with lots of debris spinning around."

One man in his 50's was taken to hospital with head injuries. Five other adults were treated for minor injuries.

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