SEVERAL fire crews were sent to the Lizard this morning after a house's roof was struck by lightning.

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said that a 999 call was received at 11.35am and fire crews from St Keverne, Helston and Mullion were sent to the scene at Ponsongath near Coverack.

A spokesman said: "On arrival, further assistance was requested and fire crews from Penzance, Falmouth, Tolvaddon and St Just are attending.

"Firefighters report that the roof of a three-storey detached house is well alight and the fire is spreading to the main building.

"Firefighters, some wearing breathing apparatus, are using three jets to fight the blaze."

At 2.30pm the fire service said the incident was ongoing and firefighters were continuing to fight the flames.

Pictures from the scene at around 3.30pm showed that the fire was seeimgly out, with firefighters continuing to work at the scene.

The fire service spokesman said that crews were damping down hotspots and a fire investigation was under way.

Western Power Distribution is also in attendance.