At least four people have been killed by a lightning strike on a beach on the coast of Brazil.

Another four people were injured when a violent storm suddenly hit Praia Grande, near the port city of Santos.

Local media reported that among the dead was a pregnant woman and her husband, aunt and uncle.

Violent storms have ravaged southeast Brazil in recent days - with Sao Paulo bearing the brunt of the bad weather.

The owner of a kiosk near the scene told Brazil's Globo news network: "There was a noise like an explosion and I saw the lightning come down before a flash."

"There were more than 20 people in the area where it happened, either coming in from the sea or on the beach where the lightning hit."

"People were crying, panicking, then firefighters arrived with stretchers and equipment."