Lightning man 'saved by bracelet'

Dennis Jones was left unmarked despite being struck by lightning

A man who was struck by lightning has said he believes a metal bracelet he was wearing saved his life.

Dennis Jones was standing by a washing machine in his kitchen in Haig Close, Hednesford, Staffordshire, when lightning struck on Monday evening.

He said his doctor said his arthritis bracelet had probably helped earth the charge and prevented serious injury.

A 16-year-old boy hit by lightning in Birmingham on Saturday died from his injuries later in hospital.

'Monsoon rain'

Mohammed Junaid Hussain suffered serious burns and a cardiac arrest when he was struck during a storm in Small Heath Park.

The bracelet is thought to have earthed the charge

Mr Jones said he felt lucky not to be more seriously hurt.

He said: "The doctor said well it looks as though the electricity earthed itself through [the bracelet] and gone back into the ground through the machine.

"It was monsoon rain, there were three clatters of whatever and one hit us and that was it."

Despite his experience, Mr Jones was left unmarked by the lightning bolt.

He was given oxygen by ambulance staff and taken to hospital before being discharged.