A pub roof has been destroyed after a fire was caused by a lightning strike. 

Firefighters were called to Frinton Road in Holland-on-Sea at about 9.45am on Tuesday after residents heard the lightning strike the roof. 

The people inside the pub left the building and called 999. 

On arrival, crews reported that the roof of the large pub was about 50pc alight. 

Seven crews were sent to the scene and firefighters tackled the blaze from inside wearing breathing apparatus and from above using an aerial ladder platform. 

The roof was completely destroyed and has left the pub uninhabitable. 

Crew Manager Darren Tappenden, from Clacton Fire Station, said: “Crews worked quickly to get this fire under control to prevent it spreading further into the pub.

“This is the third incident we’ve seen since the stormy weather over the weekend and while we can’t prevent incidents like these, we would advise you act quickly when there’s a fire in your home.

You need to get out as quickly and safely as you can, stay out and call 999.”