Dramatic lightning was seen across the UK
© Mark Humpage / SWNSDramatic lightning was seen across the country last night – but it has caused devastation in some homes. This amazing image was captured in the East Midlands
A number of houses have been destroyed by lightning during devastating storms across the country.

Homes in Merseyside, Birmingham and Sheffield have been pictured up in smoke after they were struck by huge forks of electricity yesterday night.

Fire brigades across the UK had to scramble to the scenes of the fires to get them under control and ensure those inside were safe.

Emergency services were called to one home in Barnston Road, the Wirral, shortly before 8pm last night when Merseyside was being battered by heavy rain, thunder and lightning.

It is believed a fork of lightning hit the house causing the fire, but it is not yet clear whether anyone was inside at the time.


Police officers closed the road in both directions as fire crews worked to put the blaze out and make the property safe.

Images taken at the scene show three fire engines and multiple police cars guarding the house.

Extensive damage has been caused to the roof of the property and an attached garage.

Emergency services have not yet confirmed any injuries.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Fire and Rescue confirmed crews were called to the area after reports of a lightning strike at a house.

Another house went up in smoke in the West Midlands after being struck by a lightning bolt.

Fire crews were called to New Leasow in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham at 8.47pm after the owner said his TV set had 'popped'.

Dramatic pictures of the blaze showed plumes of grey smoke billowing from the roof.

Firefighters from Sutton Coldfield and Erdington arrived and were quickly able to contain the damage. The owner and his family evacuated safely before help arrived.

West Midlands Fire Service said last night: 'Crews from Sutton Coldfield and Erdington in attendance at a house in New Leasow, New Hall. 'Breathing apparatus teams worked quickly to contain the damage caused by a lightning strike.

Occupier was alerted by his TV popping.' It is understood firefighters returned to the address this morning to make sure everything was safe.

More than 20 firefighters were called to Sheffield after a house was struck by lightning
© James Pierce / PAMore than 20 firefighters were called to Sheffield after a house was struck by lightning
A house in Sheffield, South Yorkshire burst into flames during the thunderstorm last night (when it was struck by a bolt of lightning. Dramatic pictures and footage showed smoke billowing from the roof of the three-storey end of terrace property.

The bolt struck at around 7.30pm as a thunderstorm swept over the city.

Five fire engines and a large crew of firefighters rushed to the scene to deal with the blaze, which was extinguished a short time later.

No one was hurt, South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue confirmed. A service spokesperson said: 'Our firefighters were called to Millhouses Lane in Sheffield earlier this evening.

'The call was to a house fire which we believe started when the roof was struck by lightning.

'Excellent work from crews to get this sorted so quickly - no injuries to report either.'