Lightning strikes home in Meyrick Close, Bransgore, sparking early-hours blaze

LIGHTNING struck the roof of a Bransgore home, sparking a blaze, as storms swept across the New Forest and Christchurch in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Called out to the property in Meyrick Close around 2.30am, firefighters found smoke and flames billowing from a hole in the property’s roof.

The crews from New Milton, Ringwood, Beaulieu and Christchurch spent about an hour containing the emergency with the aid of breathing apparatus.

A spokesperson for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service said the British Red Cross had been in contact with the occupier to offer support.