A BUNGALOW was struck by lightning in the early hours of the morning, waking neighbours and the occupants inside.

Fire crews were called to York Avenue in Corringham this morning at 3.44am to reports of a fire in a bungalow.

The couple inside were woken by a huge bang followed by neighbours banging on the door.

Echo:

Smoke was billowing from the roof, which was completely alight.

The couple and their six dogs and a cat got out of the property safely with help from their neighbours.

Echo:

The fire was fully extinguished by 5.06am by crews from Corringham, Orsett, Basildon and Grays.

Watch manager Geoff Wheal said: "The couple were woken by a massive bang and then heard neighbours knocking on their door.

Echo:

"Thanks to the neighbours, the couple along with their six dogs and cat got out safely.

"Crews worked incredibly hard to extinguish the fire. Although the roof and first floor bedrooms were badly damaged, they managed to stop the fire from spreading to the ground floor and save the property."