Family flee lightning strike fire

A family was forced to leave their home on Merseyside after a lightning strike sparked a fire and caused major structural damage, fire officials said.

Fire crews were called to the farmhouse on Water Lane in Southport just after 0330 BST. The chimney stack was on fire after the lightning strike.

A spokesman for Merseyside Fire Service said "extensive damage" was caused to the roof and first and ground floors.

The house has been cordoned off and the family are staying with neighbours.

Structural engineers from Sefton Council are at the scene assessing the extent of the damage to the property.

The fire service spokesman said: "Luckily the residents were not hurt. The property was so badly damaged that it is thought part of it will have to be demolished."