A bolt of lightning struck St Michael and All Angels Roman Catholic Church in Leigh Park, Havant, Hampshire, and became engulfed in flames.
A factory was also struck by lightning in East Kilbride, Scotland.
A housing association complex in Llandudno, North Wales, was flooded.
The Times 05/07/01 page 9
The Daily Telegraph 05/07/01 page 7
The Independent 05/07/01 page 12
The Guardian 05/07/01 page 9
