To assess the lightning risk to people in the UK, a 25‐year database was compiled of incidents in which people experienced an electrical shock due to lightning. The 445 known incidents involved 722 people. On average, two people were killed each year. Incident locations are analysed and discussed. Nearly half of all incidents occurred indoors but outdoor incidents accounted for two‐thirds of all people struck. 44% of outdoor incidents resulted in serious injuries or death but only 2% of indoor incidents involved serious injury and none were fatal. The incidents highlight that more lightning risk awareness is needed.