A series of spectacular lightning strikes lit up the coast as a storm swept across Sussex last night.

People across Brighton and Hove watched as bolts of lightning struck near the Palace Pier, Brighton Racecourse and Royal Sussex County Hospital.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service received 52 calls in an hour and a half as heavy rain caused floods late on Wednesday night.

Firefighters from Eastbourne were called to two houses where lightning had struck roofs.

A house was hit in West Down Road, Seaford, at 10.45pm, while a chimney was damaged in a Dallaway Drive, Stone Cross, at 12.07am.

Heavy downpours caused flooding in basements at Hardwick Road and Star Road.

Crews in Brighton and Hove were also caused to a series of small floods at houses.

  • Did you see the lightning? Call the newsdesk on 01273 544520, send your pictures to picture.desk@theargus.co.uk, or text them to 80360, starting your message with SUPIC.