Dozens hurt as lightning strikes a German rock festival

Rock am Ring festival is a happening event in western Germany, however on Saturday, a lightning hit and reportedly injured at least 51 people, eight seriously, police say. Organisers of the festival, which is headlined by Red Hot Chili Peppers, said lightning hit at 00:30 local time (22:30 GMT).

The Rock am Ring festival - one of the most popular of its kind in Germany - also suffered lightning strikes last year, when 33 people were taken to hospital.

Central Europe has been hit by severe storms and rain over the past few weeks, leading to 11 deaths in Germany. Police told German media two people had to be resuscitated after Saturday's incident at the airport in the town of Mendig, about 100km (62 miles) west of Frankfurt.

The festival website warned fans of the possibility of strong rainfall and thunderstorms on Saturday evening. The organisers of Rock am Ring, now in its 31st year, initially said this year's event would continue, and that clear weather was expected for most of the day on Saturday. It was due to have finished on Sunday. However, the event has now been suspended because of weather concerns.