Four people were struck by lightning near the White House

Four people in the United States are seriously injured after being struck by lightning near the White House.

Two men and two women were taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, an emergency services spokesman said.

The victim was found near a tree in Washington’s Lafayette Square, a popular seven-acre park just north of the White House.

The tree was just a few meters away from the fence surrounding the presidential palace and offices.

U.S. Secret Service and U.S. Park Police personnel stationed at the park immediately went to the victims’ aid.