FIREFIGHTERS were called to tackle a fire at two semi-detached houses in Harwich which were struck by lightning.

FIREFIGHTERS were called to tackle a fire at two semi-detached houses in Harwich which were struck by lightning.

Crews from Dovercourt, Weeley and Clacton were sent shortly after 7pm to tackle a resulting fire which was under control by 7.50pm.

Earlier a house in Chelmsford was struck causing a chimney stack to collapse.

Three Chelmsford based fire crews attended Barnaby Rudge at around 10.45am and used an aerial ladder platform to make the structure secure before removing debris and declaring the house safe at 12.30pm.