Many people woke to the sounds of thunder and lightning as storms spread across the region.

• People rescued from cars and flood-hit homes

At around 6.30am, a spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary took to social media to say that the force had received several calls as a result of the stormy weather.

She said: “Parts of County Durham and Darlington are currently affected by thunder and lightning, prompting a number of calls to the police.”

While the post prompted scathing comments from many readers, one said: “I was just woken by the thunder, the first one was so fast and so loud it sounded like a bomb in the front street.

“Very scary – thankfully, I saw the next flash but coming from sleeping, I can understand why someone called.”

Another added: “Maybe in light of recent events people genuinely thought it was something sinister.

“Maybe it’s a sign of how nervous we all are.”

Jason Lee, from Darlington, shot video of the storm.

"I was asleep, then my partner woke me to say that he could see some thunder and lightning," he said. 

"I woke up, saw the rain lashing it down onto the road and pavement which looked like if someone was walking on it your feet would be soaked.

"I opened the bedroom window and seconds later there was quite a blinding flash followed by a huge loud bang straight away. Must have been right above the house.

"Then I went to the other bedroom to get a quick video of it and once again, I opened the window, started recording and the second loud bang. Carried on raining heavily for ten or so minutes then must have travelled elsewhere."

At around 11am, a spokeswoman for Durham Constabulary said the force were unable to provide specific details of the calls received in relation to the storm, but added: "These were genuine calls of concern and we responded appropriately, giving reassurance and advice."

• Did you take any photographs of the storm? We’d love to see them.