A British Airways plane has been struck by LIGHTNING on its way into Heathrow Airport – forcing an urgent diversion.

The BA flight from Stuttgart to Heathrow was forced to divert to Gatwick after it was struck by a lightning bolt.

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Passenger Jeco said: “The crew were amazing when our flight got struck by lightning on the approach to Heathrow.

“It was shocking. The flight had to divert to Gatwick.”

British Airways said: “BA919 diverted to Gatwick earlier this afternoon due to weather related conditions in the region.

“The flight landed just before 2pm. Customers were driven from Gatwick to Heathrow.”

A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said the incident was a matter for BA.

Lightning strikes on airborne flights are very common and almost always harmless.

Most planes are hit by a bolt once or twice a year, according to experts.

This is because planes are very good conductors which act as lightning rods.

More to follow.