Seven homes were reportedly damaged following a lightning strike early this morning.

Emergency services were called to Schofield Way in Langney Point, Eastbourne, at about 2.45am.

It is believed lightning struck a chimney which led to part of a ceiling collapsing in one property.

A spokeswoman for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said: “The ambulance service had been called first because of reports that a ceiling had collapsed and then they called us out.

“There were reports of a smell of burning but there was no major fire. There were some signs of lightning burns.

"About seven properties were affected.

“We were at the scene for about two hours to make sure the buildings were safe and secure.”

A spokesman for UK Power Networks said only one of the properties suffered a power cut as a result of the strike and teams were able to restore electricity supplies by 5.30am.

A safety check was carried out at the six other properties but no further problems were found.

A 73-year-old woman was taken to Eastbourne District General Hospital with a head injury after being struck by a brick but her condition was not thought to be life-threatening.

More to follow on this breaking story...