LIGHTNING strikes hit homes across Wokingham as firefighters battled to keep the flames at bay.

Firefighters from Reading, Langley, Yateley and Whitley Wood were called to a house fire in Ward Close at about 12.30am.

The roof was struck by lightning, with crews using six breathing apparatus, jets and hose reels for two and a half hours.

An aerial ladder was also used from a pump in Hayes, London.

The roof was completely damaged, with the gaping hole meaning the rest of the property suffered further fire damage and also severe water damage.

Crews managed to stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties.

Crews from Reading, Wokingham, Crowthorne and Maidenhead attended a house fire in Manor Road at 2am.

Firefighters battled the flames for five hours, using six breathing apparatus and six jets to contain the blaze.

Despite this, the roof and the first floor of the house were completely destroyed but the owners were unharmed.

Steve Whiteside, watch manager for Caversham Road, said: "It was crazy all night, we were constantly busy. There was just one thing after another and we were just glad no-one was hurt at any of the incidents."