LIGHTNING has gone through the roof of a house in a village near York - one of three properties struck this morning as thunderstorms swept through the area.

The property in Millfield Lane, Nether Poppleton, now has tarpaulin over a hole in the roof.

Neighbour Pat Butler said:"I heard the lightning and it was a terrific bang. I thought we had been hit but we are all right.

"I saw my neighbours go across to the house which had been struck to make sure everything was all right. The residents are in shock."

A resident at the struck property declined to comment, other than to say: "We are all fine."

Olivia Robinson, who lives nearby, said: “There was a flash outside our window and a bang. I’ve never heard anything like it. Our ears are still aching.

“My mum was in the kitchen and the whole house shook. We could hear pots jangling and shaking. There was a bang next to our telephone. It just sent shockwaves down the street.

“We are just hoping the homeowners are ok.

“I have never known lightning this bad since we have been here. It’s scary."

There have also been reports of houses in Carrfield, Woodthorpe, and Wigginton being struck by lightning this morning (July 27).