Man hit by lightning bolt in his kitchen is saved by Marks and Spencers slippers

'It was the biggest bang I have ever heard. It sounded like it was in the room with me while I flew back against the wall,' says Brian Phillips, 65

Mr Phillips was cutting a slice of turkey when the lightning struck

A man hit by a bolt of lightning in his kitchen was saved from electrocution by his rubber-soled slippers.

Brian Phillips, 65, was thrown to the other side of the room after his house was hit by lightning.

The retired BT worker from Bedford was cutting a slice of turkey for his pet cat Emma when the house was hit.

He said: "It was the biggest bang I have ever heard. It sounded like it was in the room with me while I flew back against the wall.

"I was dazed when I got up and I couldn't work out what had happened. I didn't know if it was a bomb going off or a gas explosion.

"The paramedics told me the slippers probably saved my life as they checked my feet for exit marks, but they believe the rubber kept me grounded."

Mr Phillips was planning to throw away the worn out Marks and Spencers slippers, but has now decided to keep them as "they're not just any slippers...".

Remarkably, this is not the first time Mr Phillips has been electrified. He once fell through a roof after a serious electric shock, according to the Mirror.

Mr Phillips was told off by his 29-year-old daughter Sarah, who is a nurse, for not getting checked out at hospital.

He added: "I am like a cat, I have got nine lives.

"I felt a little dodgy after banging into the wall, but I am carrying a little bit of weight which probably padded me in the blast.

"I probably should have gone, but I was just a bit dazed."