Virgin Atlantic plane struck by lightning after taking off from Gatwick Airport

A plane was forced to land when it was struck by lightning shortly after taking off from Gatwick Airport.

Video captured by passenger Nick Kenton shows a stream of fuel being dumped from the plane in order to make it light enough to land safely after the lightning strike.

Mr Kenton tweeted: “My Travels!? Ten mins into a long haul flight & struck by lightening (sic).

“Currently dumping fuel to try head back to Gatwick.”

A spokeswoman for Virgin Atlantic confirmed the incident had taken place, adding the flight had returned to Gatwick as a precaution shortly after midday today.

She told the Standard: “Our flight VS65 today 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 plane had now landed safely back at Gatwick, but would not comment further.

Forecasters have warned that London is set to be battered by heavy rain and hail as thunderstorms hit the capital on Wednesday afternoon.