Eyewitnesses described seeing a “ball of fire” or a “ball of lightning” hit a house in Hornchurch, last week.

Romford Recorder: Several homes in Wych Elm Close in Hornchurch have been struck by lightning. Julie Whiteland in the damaged bedroomSeveral homes in Wych Elm Close in Hornchurch have been struck by lightning. Julie Whiteland in the damaged bedroom (Image: Archant)

Severe damage was caused to at least two properties in Wych Elm Close, with the effects being felt further afield, including at Emerson Park Academy in Wych Elm Road, where students had just collected their A-level results.

Matthew and Julie Whiteland, who live next to the house that was hit, face months of repair work to their home.

The television in their bedroom was blown off the wall and a wardrobe exploded, destroying the clothes inside.

The walls were scorched, they were left without hot water and electricity and, as they were out at the time of the blast, their front door and porch were damaged when the fire brigade forced their way in.

Romford Recorder: Damage from inside the house the lightning hit in Wych Elm Close, Hornchurch. Pic: London Fire BrigadeDamage from inside the house the lightning hit in Wych Elm Close, Hornchurch. Pic: London Fire Brigade (Image: Archant)

“Thinking about it, we were really lucky,” said Julie.

“Everything that was broken can be replaced. Our daughter was out with her grandmother at the time and everyone who is helping us has been amazing.

“We’ve lived here five years and met more of our neighbours in the last few days than we have since we moved in.”

Jade Cottee, 23, whose house is on the other side of the one hit by lightning, was at home with her 22-month-old son, Albie, and their dog, Charlie.

Romford Recorder: Several homes in Wych Elm Close in Hornchurch have been struck by lightning. Julie Whiteland in the damaged bedroomSeveral homes in Wych Elm Close in Hornchurch have been struck by lightning. Julie Whiteland in the damaged bedroom (Image: Archant)

“All I saw was a big ball of fire which looked like an explosion and a clap of thunder which sounded like a bomb,” she said.

“Albie and Charlie wanted to look out the window and I was worried so I called my sister and she said to get out of the house so I took us all to sit in the car.”

Four fire engines and the police arrived at the scene minutes after a neighbour called the emergency services.

The owners of the house which took the main force of the strike were on holiday, returning to their damaged property on Wednesday.

The incident took place two weeks after a house a short drive away in Humber Drive, Upminster, went up in flames after being struck by lightning.

An elderly woman was in the house at the time but was not harmed. The roof was destroyed by the blaze.