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Morrisons in Canterbury has been evacuated after lightning twice struck the roof.

Emergency services including at least two ambulances and fire engines were called to the store in Ten Perch Road at 3.45pm after reports the building was struck twice by lightning.

The shop and petrol station were evacuated amid fears the lightning strikes had started a fire.

A fire engine at the scene

Ambulances have been called to Morrisons

The petrol pumps have been isolated as a precaution, according to Kent Fire and Rescue.

Several people have been taken to hospital where they are being treated for shock.

No-one is thought to have been seriously injured.

A supermarket worker, who couldn't give his name, said: "We felt what seemed like a big earth tremor and then light fittings came crashing down in certain areas of the store."

Mac Dowler, who had just got off a bus at Park and Ride in Wincheap when the lightning struck, said: "That was the loudest crack I ever heard. Nothing makes me jump, but that did."

Shoppers and staff outside the shop after the evacuation

Two fire engines parked at the store

Police officers were also called to the store.

The news comes as Canterbury is battered by freak storms, including hail stones.