Lynn Cox of Stookslade was chatting to her husband Peter in the kitchen of their semi-detached home when the bolt struck at about 5.50pm on Friday.

“It had gone really dark and we knew a storm was coming,” said Mrs Cox.

“Suddenly, there was an almighty bang and Peter said ‘somebody’s been hit’.”

The couple went outside to find their neighbours’ Carroll and Miranda Pudwell’s house ablaze and Mrs Cox telephoned the emergency services.

Another neighbour had already made the call and while firefighters from Aylesbury sped to the scene both couples tackled the flames with garden hoses.

“We tried desperately to put it out, but it was hopeless,” said Mrs Cox.

“It was such a scary experience, terrifying.

It was four hours before the firefighters were satisfied the blaze was well and truly out.

“I can’t praise them enough,” she said.

“They were absolutely fantastic.”

Mrs Cox, however, had nothing but contempt for those who gathered to watch and take photographs on their mobile phones.

“Somebody’s home was going up in flames and they were standing around taking pictures,” she said. “They disgust me.”

Mr Pudwell was treated in hospital for burns to his arms and the couple were unavailable for comment when the LBO went to press.