Holidaymakers struck by lightning

Six British holidaymakers have been treated in hospital after being struck by lightning in southeastern France, it has emerged.

The group of four adults and two children were struck while they were out walking near Monieux, in Vaucluse. They were taken to hospitals in Avignon and Carpentras, but their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening, local newspaper La Provence reports.

The incident has prompted local officials to issue a warning about the dangers posed by electrical storms. Tourists are advised to postpone any outside activity when storms are forecast and, if they are caught in the open air, to seek shelter as quickly as possible.

The latest strike came a day after a group of eight teenagers were hit by lightning while on a camping trip in the Vienne department. One of the children, a 15-year-old boy suffered a cardiac arrest.