Houses were struck by lightning during a massive thunderstorm last night.

Firefighters were called to properties in Folkestone and Staplehurst after residents could smell smoke.

Residents at a house in Middle Mead, Folkestone, waited for fire crews to arrive outside after a bolt hit the TV aerial and smoke was coming out of the roof.

A house in Staplehurst caught fire after lightning struck the roof.

There was also a number of other hits on Folkestone and pictures of damage to roads where lightning struck have emerged this morning.

One of the places where damage has been caused is at the junction of Warren Road, Foreland Avenue and Wear Bay Crescent.

Tarmac has been lifted and cracked. Folkestone councillor Mary Lawes said Kent Highways have been informed.

Residents in Folkestone were alerted by the smoke alarm first and they dialled 999 and waited outside until the crews arrived.

People have taken to social media posting pictures and videos of the dramatic weather overnight.

The storm moved into Kent from northern France and the Met Office said it was about the size of Wales.

The bolt hit the house in Middle Mead and fire crews carried out a thermal scan of the house inside and outside the building to make sure the house was safe.

Crews said the strike hit the roof aerial resulting in a power surge throughout the whole property causing burning to the TV aerial, which was in the loft.

It caused a total electrical failure in the house.

Firefighters left the scene at around 2.15am.