The London Fire Brigade have said that "most" of two-storey building struck by lightning yesterday evening was damaged as a result of the ensuing fire.

The old fire station and current clocktower in Wimbledon High Street was struck on the hottest day of the year, with crews from LFB called just after 6pm.

Fire Investigator Adrian Parker said: "We believe the lightening struck the clock tower which had a copper top and weather vain on it. It also struck the roof below.

Wimbledon Times:

"Fires caused by lightening are really uncommon and unfortunately can cause quite extensive damage."

It took firefighters nearly six hours to get the blaze under control, with witnesses praising the efforts of the emergency services teams.

RELATED: Wimbledon Village fire station struck by lightning

"I was sitting in my living room with the windows open cause it’s been roasting hot all day and, possibly around half five, there was one of the loudest rumbles of thunder I’ve ever heard," Stuart Fraser said.

“I quickly went to shut all my windows cause I figured it’s lightening, and rain was on the way.

"I went upstairs to the top bedroom which has a skylight in it.

Wimbledon Times:

“And just after I shut the window, I was just putting some towels away actually, there was just this flash which lit up the room and I was thought ‘Christ, that was close.

“So I then looked out the window, I actually thought it hit the Dog and Fox pub but when I looked out the window I could see people looking forwards towards there (old fire station).

“Smoke was billowing out initially and then gradually got worse over the next 20 minutes.

“The fire brigade have done an amazing job, they were so quick on the scene.

“I think they’ve hopefully prevent a lot of damage.”

The LFB added that there were no reports of any injuries.