Families whose homes were destroyed by lightning in Andover are 'luckily to be alive'

• Watch the video report by ITV Meridian's Mike Pearse

Two families whose homes were engulfed in a fireball after being struck by lightning in Andover, have told ITV News Meridian they feel lucky to be alive in an exclusive interview.

The strike caused a fire in the roof at the home of two sisters and quickly spread to neighbours in their semi-detached property in Mercia Avenue.

They have spoken of their heartbreak about losing everything but have thanked the local community for their generosity and support. 

Angela King, Resident said: "It seems utterly surreal that we've lost our house and everything, like my mum's stuff that I've kept. Sixty-year-old Christmas baubles that people wouldn't have think mattered so much and they do."

"It doesn't seem real that it's gone, and when we drive up the road and see the house as it is, it's hard to think that that's our house."

• Angela King, Resident:

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service were called to the two houses, after the roofs caught fire and collapsed just before 5am on Saturday (24/07) morning.

Crews from seven fire stations attended to help put out the fire, which produced thick black smoke.

A fundraising page, started by a neighbour, has raised more than £5,000 for the families affected.

Taylor Moody said she hoped the money will help to buy new clothes and "kick start them getting their lives back on track".

She said: "I’d like to help these two families and raise some money. They have lost their homes and are going to need all the love and support they can get. It has been wonderful to see so many people come together in such a crisis."