A LIGHTNING bolt started a blaze in Bourne End and knocked out electrical equipment across the village on Sunday morning.

The electrical cupboard in Michael and Di Hutton's house in New Road was set alight by a power surge after the lightning struck their power cables and travelled through underground wires.

Mr Hutton used a dry powder fire extinguisher to tackle flames leaping two feet high from the cupboard under the stairs.

Mr Hutton said: "I was working at my computer when I heard a bang. I ran through the kitchen and there was another almighty bang and then a flash."

Beaconsfield Fire Station watch manager Kevyn Stigwood said: "According to the electricity board the lightning came into contact with the power line and sent a surge to the fuse board and meter in the cupboard under the stairs setting them on fire."

The lightning also struck the Collier Nursey at the top of New Road, destroying its computer and cutting its phone lines.

In Bourne End High Street, Les Davis saw the lightning bolt from behind the counter in Village Home Hardware. He said: "The bolt caught the corner of my eye showing up against the grey clouds. Two or three seconds later there was a clap of thunder so strong it made the shop shake and my customers came to the desk to ask if there was something wrong."

Southern Electric is working in the area to deal with electrical problems.