A lightning bolt struck the Merlion statue at about 4.30pm yesterday.

The national icon at One Fullerton facing the Singapore River

lost part of its top left mane and is believed to have its right ear chipped.

About 20 to 30 people nearby, including tourists, ran helter-skelter in the pouring rain when debris from the Merlion's head went flying.

Some ran to safety in the nearby shops and cafes.

The fragments fell onto the patio at One Fullerton and the Singapore River Cruise counter near the Merlion.

Nobody was hurt.

Eyewitness Ms Rina Toh, 17,

a barista at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf at One Fullerton, said: 'I saw a bright Z-shaped lightning bolt, and it was a lot bigger than usual.'

She was standing at the counter and could see the Merlion.

Read the full story in the Sunday Times today