Crews are desperately battling the flames that ripped through the property in East Dunbartonshire, Scotland, as thick smoke engulfed the neighbourhood
A SHATTERED dad has told how he "lost his whole house" when it burst into flames after being struck by LIGHTNING.
Fire crews desperately battled the flames that ripped through the roof and upstairs of the property in East Dunbartonshire, Scotland.
Frank Malcolm and his family - who have only lived in the new-build house for seven months.- watched in horror as it was engulfed by flames.
The family were downstairs watching TV when the back of the roof was hit by a bolt of lightning.
Frank said: "The first I knew anything was wrong was when the TV went off and the electric tripped.
"I went round turning off all the power sockets.
"I went upstairs to do the same and I could hear crackling in the roof then I noticed smoke under the eaves.
"By then the doorbell was ringing and it was a neighbour saying 'get out, your house is on fire'.
"I got my wife and two kids and we got out.
"The roof was on fire."
He added: "I need to see what can be salvaged.
"But we've lost the whole house.
"Everything upstairs is gone."
The family were being comforted by neighbours as fire crews worked to make the building safe.
A fire brigade source at the scene confirmed that the fire was started by lightning.
It tore through the roof and upstairs of the house before being extinguished.
A spokesman for the SFRS said: "We are in attendance. We received a call that a house in Kirkintilloch was struck by lightning at 5.45pm on Saturday evening.
"There are no reports of any casualties and we are still at the scene."
Meanwhile worried residents posted fears on social media as the shock blaze unfolded.
Joe Brownisky said: "Just been a lightening strike in Woodilee, smoke billowing. Fire engine just passed house"
While Ewan Wilson added: "Smoke rising up from what looks like Miller phase two in the Woodilee. Thought some lightening was a bit close"
A police spokeswoman said: "We were called to a report of a house on fire in the Lenzie area.
"The fire service are in attendance and Police Scotland officers are assisting."
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