A WOMAN is in shock after her home was hit by a massive lightning strike.

The woman’s property in Lavenham Way, Stowmarket, was hit at about 9pm on Wednesday amid a torrential downpour.

A residents of the town said they had “never seen anything like it before” and some reported hearing a loud bang several miles away from the incident.

Fire crews from Stowmarket and Needham Market received initial reports there had been an explosion at the house. The strike had caused chimney bricks to fly through the air and land in the front garden.

The woman, who is believed to be in her 60s, was too shocked to speak, but neighbour Patsy Stammers, 72, said: “She’s upset but I think someone was watching over her. It’s very upsetting.

“I know her, I live along the road from her, and I found her outside her house holding a torch and I said ‘come into mine’. She came into my house to get into the warmth, she’s in shock and worried.”

Overnight the electricity supply at the property was made safe and workers from Mid Suffolk District Council were due to begin repair work to the chimney yesterday morning.

Homeowners in Lavenham Way also reported the loss of their telephone lines and electricity supply.