A large fire has broken out at a business premises in Strabane, Co Tyrone, amid reports it was struck by lightning.

The blaze broke out this afternoon at O'Doherty and Sons Coffin and Casket manufacturers in Railway Street.

The area has been cordoned off and firefighters are tackling the fire.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said: "There are currently 10 pumping appliances and four specialist vehicles in attendance with approximately 80 firefighters. Operations are expected to continue into tomorrow.

"The public are asked to avoid the area due to high level of activity and also keep windows and doors closed."

The NIFRS said the cause of the fire is "currently under investigation".

The PSNI is advising people to avoid the area to allow emergency services to deal with the blaze.

Eyewitnesses in the area reported a lightning strike before the fire.

The UK Met Office had earlier issued a weather warning for the six counties in Northern Ireland.

It warned of frequent lightning, heavy rain, and hail showers that "could cause damage to property and travel disruption".

Met Éireann had also issued a thunder storm warning for several counties across the northwest.