Flybe plane heading to Guernsey struck by lightning

Image caption, Some damage to the nose cone of the plane can be seen following the lightning strike

A plane has been grounded for inspection after it was struck by lightning on approach to Guernsey airport.

Flybe confirmed lightning struck flight BE952 en route from Jersey.

A spokesperson for the airline said: "There was no immediate loss of altitude [and] the aircraft...landed safely without incident."

Some damage was visible on the nose cone of the Bombardier Q400 plane following the incident on Sunday.

The spokesman added: "Strikes are not unusual, but aviation authorities demand a rigorous inspection after every incident."

They said: "Once weather conditions on the island allow and the aircraft is cleared of snow, it will be fully inspected by Flybe engineers."

Flybe said: "The aircraft will return to service once any necessary work has been completed and all relevant regulatory approvals received."