Lightning strikes 12th century church

Medieval windows at St Andrew's Church were blown out by lightning

A 12th century church recorded in the Doomsday Book has been severely damaged by a massive lightning strike.

The West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to St Andrew's at Tangmere at 1230 BST on Wednesday.

Four appliances attended the scene, where tiles had been knocked from the church steeple and roof, and all but one of its medieval windows had blown out.

Firefighters quickly dealt with a small fire in the church spire and a number of "hot spots" within the roof space area.

A fire brigade spokeswoman said the damage was "severe" with the spire now leaning at an angle.

Fortunately nobody was in the church as they definitely would not have survived Canon Colin Fowler

The church rector, Canon Colin Fowler, said he heard the explosion and saw a flash, but was not aware at first where the lightning had hit.

He said: "It was not the fire that caused the damage it was the explosion in the church itself that blew out the beautiful stained glass windows.

"It is a very sad day for the village but everyone will rally round and will help to get it repaired but it is going to have to be totally rebuilt in places.

"Fortunately nobody was in the church as they definitely would not have survived," he added.

The lightning strike was one of several recorded in the area.

Fire crews were called to the nearby Chichester Cathedral at 1330 BST.

However, following a thorough search of the site, it was quickly established that the strike had not caused any damage or casualties.

Another bolt of lightning also hit a property in Freemans Close, Billingshurst.

Fire crews dealt with a small fire located in the roof space. No-one was injured.