The lightning strike sent soot and bricks tumbling into the living room as Yvonne Bolas and her family ran to safety.

Firefighters from Ossett were called to the home at about 6.30pm on Monday after fears the house on Hazel Close could be alight.

Yvonne Bolas, 31, said: "I'd just finished feeding the baby when it just went bang. It was like a bomb hitting the house.

"The telly had blown up and stuff came out of the fireplace.

"The fire actually came out of the wall and soot came out. We heard bricks falling and we just ran for the door. We came out before we realised what had happened. We could smell smoke as well and we thought the house was actually on fire."

The family took shelter from the stormin a neighbour's home as they waited for fire crews to arrive. They were told to stay with relatives until the house was declared safe.

Firefighters secured the remains of the chimney, removed debris and loose tiles and covered the hole with tarpaulin in a bid to stop rainwater pouring into the loft. On Wednesday surveyors from Kirklees Council declared the home safe to return to and cleaners were called in to make a start on clearing away the dust and debris.

Builders work is also underway to repair the damage to the roof and chimney.