TWO Andover homes have been severely damaged following a lightning strike in the early hours of Saturday morning (July 24).

The two semi-detached properties on Mercia Avenue, Charlton, caught fire between 3.30am and 4am.

Multiple fire crews scrambled to the scene, and thankfully all occupants were evacuated.

Michael Riley, 55, lives in one of the affected houses with his wife, Angela, and 14-year-old son, Ethan.

He was emotional as he told the Advertiser: “It was like a cannon going off. Angie could smell smoke. I came out to the drive and I could see next door was on fire.

"We banged on the door to get them up."

He continued: "It was adrenaline really, because it was only little flames at first and then we stood watching it spread and you can't do anything."

He said now it is just "a waiting game" to see the extend of the damage to their home.

The road was closed for several hours, from the junction with Bradwell Close to the junction with Brancaster Avenue, but was reopened by hampshire Highways shortly before 11am.

Andy Weeks, group manager at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, said the team would be reinspecting the home this afternoon to ensure no further "hotspots".