Lightning strike causes house fire

Crews were called to a semi-detached house after reports that lightning had struck a house. 

On arrival firefighters reported that approximately 40% of the roof was on fire.

Watch Manager Keith Ray, Loughton Fire Station, said:

"The residents said the sound was unbelievable and similar to what they thought a bomb would sound like. They immediately went to find out what was going on and realised their roof was on fire.

"Our crews worked really quickly to extinguish the fire and did a great job of stopping it spreading and limiting the damage."

Firefighters worked to extinguish the fire by 8pm.

The roof has suffered both fire and water damage.