A HOME in South Molton was badly damaged after a bolt of lightning caused a fire.

Several 999 calls were made after the roof of the property in North Road caught fire at around 4.30am.

Fire crews from South Molton, Barnstaple, Chulmleigh and Ilfracombe attended, with support from the British Red Cross.

Western Power Distribution was also called to isolate the electrics, while police closed the road as firefighters dealt with the flames.

A fire service spokesman said it was "not common" for lightning to cause a house fire.