Lightning strike knocks out power to Alderney houses

A lightning strike knocked out power and telephone services to an Alderney residential area.

The strike, which occurred at about 07:00 GMT, affected 18 homes in the Essex Castle area, one of the highest parts of the island.

One resident, Martin Jakes, described hearing a "huge bang" followed by a flash and sparks.

Alderney Electricity restored the power by 16:30 and work to repair the phone lines was due to be completed by 18:00.

Paddy Campbell, another resident, said his children had been scared when the strike hit their chimney, causing some minor structural damage, before travelling through the building to the courtyard.

Mr Campbell said they had found shrapnel from the chimney up to 50ft (15m) away.