A plane has been hit by lightning after taking off from Gatwick Airport.

Virgin Atlantic’s Boeing 747 flight VS65 from London Gatwick to Montego Bay was struck shortly after take-off at 11.45am this morning.

A spokesman for Virgin Atlantic said: "Our flight VS65 today, March 22, from London Gatwick to Montego Bay has returned to Gatwick as a precaution due to a suspected lightning strike, and has now landed. 

"We are in the process of arranging an alternative aircraft to allow our customers to continue their journey later today, and we would like to thank them for their understanding."

A spokesman for Gatwick Airport confirmed the lighting strike had taken place, and said the plane had now landed safely back at Gatwick. 

Were you on the flight? Contact the newsdesk on 020 8722 6337 or pippa.allen@newsquest.co.uk