Lightning injures several in France and Germany

• 18 minutes ago
 
• From the sectionEurope

Image copyrightAFP

Image captionFirefighters were called to the Parc Monceau on Saturday afternoon

More than 40 people, most of them children, have been injured by lightning strikes, at a park in Paris and a football match in Germany.

Lightning struck a birthday party in Parc Monceau in Paris, injuring 11 people, mostly children. Three victims are in a life-threatening condition.

They were struck after seeking shelter under a tree, police say.

Lightning also hit a children's football match in Hoppstaedten, leaving 35 people injured, including adults.

There were no dark clouds and the sky was blue when lightning struck at the end of the match, witnesses said.

The referee was among three people who suffered serious injuries. Eleven children and two parents were also taken to hospital.

The children injured in Parc Monceau had an average age of nine, police said.

An off-duty firefighter helped with first aid and heart massages. Officials said the situation would have been much worse if he had not been there.

Torrential rain also halted play at the French Open as defending champion Serena Williams was about to start a match against Kristina Mladenovic.

Image copyrightAFP

Image captionThe Parc Monceau lies in Paris's wealthy eighth arrondissement

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Are you in the area? Did you witness what happened? If you are safe and able to share your experiences, email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk