A couple and seven pets have been rescued after a lightning strike set fire to the roof of their bungalow in Essex.
Firefighters were called to reports of a blaze at the house on York Avenue, Corringham.
When crews arrived, smoke was billowing from the blazing roof at about 3.45am on Sunday.
Neighbours assisted the couple, their six dogs and a cat in fleeing the property.
Watch Manager Geoff Wheal, of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The couple were woken by a massive bang and then heard neighbours knocking on their door.
“Thanks to the neighbours, the couple along with their six dogs and cat got out safely.
“Crews worked incredibly hard to extinguish the fire.
“Although the roof and first floor bedrooms were badly damaged, they managed to stop the fire from spreading to the ground floor and save the property."
The fire was fully extinguished by 5.06am.
A resident said told the BBC he woke up to “the loudest explosion I’ve ever heard in my life”, adding: “There was other neighbours out banging on the windows, the residents were still in the address and myself and my wife went into the house to get them, their six dogs and cat out.
“Inside there was very heavy smoke and ceilings falling down.
“The place was well alight when we got them out and luckily, with the help of neighbours as well, managed to get them out.”
