Two properties were hit by lightning strikes across Sussex last night.

Spectacular lightning bolts could be seen shooting across the sky on Thursday evening.

But the stormy weather proved destructive when lightning hit a block of residential flats in Hailsham at about 7.20pm.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called to Diplocks Way to various reports the roof of a block of flats was on fire.

On arrival  up to six engines tackled a blaze on the top floor and in the roof space of the building - affecting about six separate flats.

Up to 18 firefighters were needed to tackle the fire until around 9.40pm.

Later in South Cliff, Bexhill, fire crews were called again to another lightning strike at a two-story house.

The residential property filled with smoke and was finally made safe at 11.54pm.

There were no reported injuries at either incident.