Two schoolgirls hit by lightning

The girls were hit simultaneously by the same bolt of lightning

Two teenagers are recovering in hospital after being struck by a bolt of lightning.

The girls, aged 13 and 15, suffered serious burns in the incident at Ipswich High School, in Woolverstone, near Ipswich, at about 1600 BST.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesman said the force of the strike had "blown apart" the girls' shoes.

"They were both struck simultaneously, presumably by the same bolt of lightning," said the spokesman.

"They both had entry and exit wounds on their arms and feet."

The girls, who remained conscious throughout, suffered non life-threatening injuries and are being treated in hospital, the spokesman added.