THE Gazette offices in Pelton Road were hit by lightning last night causing severe damage to the building.

Workers for the newspaper arrived at work this morning to find the roof inside the building had collapsed and emergency services had visited the site.

The offices will be closed until further notice.

Reporters can still be contacted on their regular telephone numbers.

Reporter Tim Birkbeck, 27, said: "I couldn't believe the amount of damage that was caused."

Mr Birkbeck added: "I've never seen anything like it in my life."

More to follow.