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Lightning strike sets houses on fire

A 70-year-old woman has escaped unharmed after a lightning strike severely damaged two houses.

Fire crews were called to the address in Mercia Avenue, Andover, Hampshire, on Saturday morning.

The incident came as storms hit the south of England, bringing the recent heatwave to an end.

The woman was assessed by paramedics but did not require hospital treatment, according to Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service.

A spokesman said: “Crews from Whitchurch, Amesbury, Ludgershall, Winchester, Overton, Basingstoke and Rushmoor were called to Andover early this morning following a house struck by lightning.

“Two semi-detached houses were severely damaged in the incident.

Lightning strike scene
Firefighters remain at the scene of the incident (Andrew Matthews/PA)

“A 70-year-old female was assessed by ambulance crews on the scene but was not taken to the hospital.

“One aerial ladder platform and two 45mm jets were used at the incident.”

The spokesman added that fire crews were damping down the property following the strike.