A LIGHTNING strike destroyed part of a home after setting the roof on fire.

It took firefighters about three hours to extinguish the fire which engulfed the roof of the detached house in Wren Close, Stanway.

Essex Fire and Rescue said most of the house was severely damaged by the strike and subsequent blaze.

The owners were away when the lightning struck.
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The house has been severely damaged, say Essex Fire and Rescue

Delienn Churchill, 48, who lives nearby, was in bed when the lightning struck but said the bang of the storm gave her “the fright of her life”.

Mrs Churchill said: “I wondered what the hell was going on. I’m used to lightning because I’m from South Africa originally but I imagine for people who aren’t used to it, it’s scary.”

“I ran out with my umbrella because I have birds and I was concerned for them.”

She said she was in disbelief along with other neighbours of the quiet estate when she saw the damage.

She said: “I’m quite shocked but actually glad the family were away.

“Can you imagine if the family were still in the house? It would’ve been awful.

“What a horrible sight to come home to. But it’s a nice neighbourhood so I’m sure everyone will join together and help them out.

“There’s already an appeal on our group Facebook group asking for contributions.”

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An earlier photo of the scene. Picture: Jumbo News.

The lightning struck at about 1.30am Sunday morning.

An aerial ladder platform from Chelmsford was sent to the scene along with three other crews of firefighters from Colchester and Tiptree.

According to Essex Weather Centre there were approximately 25,000 lightning strikes across England and Wales in 12 hours.

There is still a risk of isolated thunderstorms with maximum temperatures of 24C degrees today.

Lightning also caused problems at Stansted Airport after lightning strikes damaged aircraft fuelling systems, grounding flights for hundreds of passengers.

Ryanir customers have been offered either a “full refund, a free transfer on to the next available flight or a free transfer on to an alternative routing”.

People still awake or who were woken up by the bolts out of the blue immediately tried to capture the lightning on camera.

Elizabeth Trustrum took this photo in Colchester.

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