A HOUSE in Lostock Gralam was struck by lightning last night, causing a fire in the house.

A storm hit most of the north west late last night and one house in Harris Road was hit by a bolt of lightning at around midnight.

Firefighters were called to the property at 12.09am and had to tackle a fire which had broken out in the bedroom of the house, due to electrical faults caused by the lightning strike.

An ambulance also attended and one person was treated by paramedics for smoke inhalation. A spokesman for Cheshire Fire Service said: "Two fire engines from Northwich were sent to a fire at a house in Harris Road and two firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, used a hose reel to tackle the fire.

"They also used a large fan to remove the smoke.

"A fire investigation has been carried out and is believed to be caused by lightning striking the property."