Lightning strike is believed to have set an oil tank alight at a farm in the Harborough district

A farm in the Harborough district was seriously damaged after a lightning strike is believed to have set an oil tank alight.

At least 20 firefighters battled for over four hours to bring the blaze under control at the farm off Uppingham Road in Skeffington on the A47.

Six fire crews, a water carrier and Incident Support Unit dashed to the scene after the alarm was raised just before 6.30pm on Friday night.

Crews from Uppingham and Leicester’s Eastern Station responded immediately and quickly asked for more assistance and support.

Six appliances were swiftly deployed from Market Harborough, Oakham and Wigston to back up their colleagues.

Flames tore through farm buildings packed with machinery and straw, leaving them seriously damaged.

Firefighters used six breathing apparatus kits, two main jets and two hose reels as well as specialist jets.

No one was injured in the spectacular blaze on the northern edge of Harborough.