Lucky escape as lightning strikes house

A FAMILY had a lucky escape yesterday after a lightning strike destroyed the roof of their home

The house in Tarbolton, Ayrshire, was hit during an electrical storm at around 5pm.

Firefighters spent hours last night bringing the blaze under control, while the blast caused damage to neighbouring homes and led to power supplies being blown out.

One resident, who lives nearby, said: "The blast pretty much took the roof right off and there has been a ripple effect, which has affected the houses around it."

The residents of the council-owned property, believed to be a middle-aged couple, were on holiday with their daughter and granddaughter and escaped the fire. They have been informed.