Lightning strikes caused fire and damage in Kent and Sussex

They have been reducing the hot spots and a re-inspection is planned for around 12:00.

The event in Eastbourne has now closed, he added, after “a very busy night for staff”.

A spokeswoman for West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said four fire engines were at the scene in Thatcher Close and the fire was believed to have started at around 04:15 BST following a lightning strike.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to Newton Road in Faversham just after 03:31 and the fire was out shortly before 04:30.

Another fire in Faversham was also reported on Ulles Road where four fire engines attended.

No injuries were reported in the incidents.

Early morning thunderstorms followed a yellow weather warning for lightning for much of East Sussex and Kent from 02:00 to 08:00.

According to the Met Office, the atmosphere where thunderstorms can occur is unstable and “the ingredients for this instability are abundant during warm, humid weather, particularly after a few days of strong sunshine”.

Storms come later Weather warnings for hot days and red weather.

Red warnings have been lifted across the South East, but an amber warning for extreme heat is in place in parts of Kent, Surrey, East Sussex and West Sussex.

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