Thatched cottages catch fire after lightning strike

Image source, Swanage Fire Station

Image caption, Firefighters worked through the night to contain the fire

Fire has ripped through two thatched homes after a suspected lightning strike.

More than 50 firefighters worked through the night to contain the fire after it broke out in Stoborough Meadow, Wareham, Dorset on Sunday night.

The fire service said the fire started in the roof of one semi-detached cottage and quickly spread to the adjoining home.

No-one was injured but both properties were badly damaged.

Image source, Swanage Fire Station

Image caption, The fire engulfed the roofs of the two thatched cottages

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue said investigations were ongoing but it was believed the fire started accidentally due to a lightning strike.

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