A Worthing tree had to be cut down after it was struck by lightning during storms over the weekend.

The fir tree was hit by the bolt, which also affected phone and power lines in Burford Close. One property had its roof damaged by the lightning.

Firefighters were called to the street at just before 10am on Saturday after residents reported that the tree was alight following the electrical burst. Fire crews used an aerial ladder platform to tackle the fire in the fir.

A large crack had also appeared at the base of the tree because of the strike and there were fears that the tree, which was about 10m tall, could fall.

A tree surgeon was called to attend and once the fire crew had put out the blaze, the surgeon was tasked with felling the tree as a safety measure.