Thunderstorm disruption

Well it had to end some time and for many of us the heatwave came to a dramatic conclusion last night as violent storms swept across some parts of the region.

There were spectacular displays of lightning and thunder, coupled with torrential downpours.

Cambridgeshire was one of the worst hit areas: homes were struck by lightning and over half an inch of rain fell in some places. And for one family, a lightning strike led to a dramatic escape.

Click above to see ITV News Anglia's Elodie Harper report in the thunderstorms

Dramatic thunder storms have been causing major disruption across the East, with fires, flooding and power cuts. Lightning strikes and heavy rain fall have been causing lengthy delays on the roads and train lines, and flights at Stansted Airport were also affected.

Emergency services have been busy dealing with house fires in Bedford, Milton Keynes, parts of Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire

New grandfather, the Prince of Wales, met 6-month old Emily Scott as he greeted crowds of well wishers on a visit to Bugthorpe in East Yorkshire today.

Read: Charles: 'Thrilled' over grandson

A lightning strike caused a house fire in Bedford this morning.

The chimney stack of the house in Primrose Field caught light at around half past six.

The family living there were led to safety. Firefighters in breathing apparatus and an aerial platform were used to bring the fire under control.

These pictures were taken by ITV News Anglia viewer 'Brimski' when the storm was at it's height over Colchester at 3am this morning.

The storms over Northampton last night captured by viewer Mr M.Smith