A house in Northfleet was struck by lightning during last night’s storm.

Five fire engines were called to Vale Road at 8pm last night after a bolt hit the roof.

Crews spent six and a half hours on the scene.

A spokesman for Kent Fire and Rescue said: “It was a very intensive fire in the loft, which was difficult to gain access to.

“We had to use specialist equipment and 12 firefighters had to wear breathing apparatus to extinguish the flames.

“We managed to contain the fire to the loft area and only a dozen tiles in the roof were damaged. We also prevented damage to the house next door.

“The firefighters were under a lot of strain in the conditions. It was very humid outside.

“Damage was confined to water damage downstairs and we saved as much of the family’s property as we could."

The house was revisited at 6am this morning as a precautionary measure.