Lightning strikes house in Chelmer Village during storms - video and pictures

A family house in Chelmer Village was left severely damaged after it was struck by lightning at the height of yesterday's fierce storms. Occupants of the detached property in Murrell Lock were forced to flee the scene. Neighbours said a woman and her two girls were wearing their pyjamas when they left the property. They were unhurt and took refuge in a nearby house overnight. Emergency services, including three fire engines from Chelmsford and Ingatestone, rushed to the scene at around 11pm to tackle the blaze, sparked when the bolt hit the roof, causing it to collapse into the house. The fire then spread to the top floor of the house, before it was brought under control by around midnight. Shocked neighbour Alex Hillman, who lives in the house opposite on Murrells Lock, was watching television when he heard a "big bang". "The TV popped and went off and then we went out to our conservatory and we could see quite clearly that it was on fire. He said: "My wife and stepson ran out and were trying to get people out, people had already come out. Meanwhile I'm dialling emergency services on my mobile. "Originally there was a small flame coming out of the middle of the roof, and then within five minutes the whole roof had collapsed. "There were some burning embers going across the neighbouring properties so I went ran telling everyone to get out." Barry Knight, who lives in Barlows Reach, said he originally thought the lightning had struck his own house. "It was like a silver thing that shook the house," he added. "It must have been that lightning strike that lit everything up. "The only good thing, a God send, is that it's pouring with rain."Submitted video Another neighbour, who chose to stay anonymous, added: "There was just a huge bang, and a light - as if someone put a flashlight right in your eyes."