Residents fled a block of flats in Ashford after a bolt of lightning struck the roof this afternoon.

Firefighters are battling to put out a blaze at the property in Waltham Place in Stanhope where eight adults and a child were living in the three-storey property.

There are no reported injuries but Red Cross is at the scene to support the residents.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service says its firefighters have been "working in extremely challenging conditions" because of the high winds.

They are using a height vehicle and breathing masks to tackle the fire and remove the facia and soffits of the roof to access the roof to check for possible spread.

There are thought to be four flats in the building affected and all the residents are said to need emergency rehousing.

It comes as Kent was battered by heavy rain and stormy weather this evening, which flooded part of the M20.