- Police were called to a football field following reports the child had been injured
- They were called shortly after 5.05pm today and officers said enquiries ongoing
- Police said enquiries are ongoing but it is believed the youngster was hit by bolt
A nine-year-old boy has died after reportedly being struck by lightning on a football field in Blackpool.
Police were called to the sports pitch on School Road at 5.05pm following reports a child had been injured.
Officers said enquiries are ongoing but it is believed the youngster was hit by a lightning bolt.
The boy was found with serious injuries before being rushed to hospital but he later died.
A nine-year-old boy has died after reportedly being struck by lightning (pictured today) on a football field in Blackpool
Tributes have poured in for the nine-year-old boy who was ‘hit by a lightning bolt’ while playing on a football pitch in Blackpool
Flowers and messages (above) have been left at what is believed to have been the spot where the boy was struck by lightning
Pictured: One of the hundreds of supportive messages, flowers and tributes left by well wishers at Common Edge playing fields in Blackpool
The boy is believed to have been at a training session with the Spirit of Youth FC when it happened.
Club secretary Daniel Pack said: ‘Unfortunately, we don’t know much at the moment. We extend our sincerest condolences to the family involved.’
He added: ‘We are all very upset and saddened by this whole thing. The whole club is shocked.’
The club posted: ‘It is with deepest regret that we have to report the news that the young boy who was struck by lightning earlier this evening has sadly passed away.
Police were called to the sports pitch on School Road at 5.05pm following reports a child had been injured
Officers said enquiries are ongoing but it is believed the youngster was hit by a lightning bolt
‘The tragic incident happened on our home ground at Common Edge playing fields but it was not during a club training session.
‘As a club, we are heartbroken and we offer our deepest condolences to the boy’s family.
‘Spirit of Youth is a family and we are entrenched in the local community, and we will give whatever support is required to both the family and to those that were with him at the time.
‘We would ask that people respect the privacy of the family at this most tragic of times. Rest In Peace young man.’
The boy was found with serious injuries before being rushed to hospital but he later died
Detective Superintendent Nick Connaughton of Lancashire Police said: ‘This is a truly devastating incident and our thoughts are wholeheartedly with the family and friends of the young boy, who has passed away, at this very sad and distressing time.’
A police spokesman said: A nine-year-old boy has sadly died following an incident on a football field shortly after 5.05pm today.
‘Although enquiries are still ongoing, we believe the boy was struck by lightning. Our thoughts are with the boy’s family at this sad time. School Road has reopened.’
Police officers and an air ambulance were seen on the football pitches, shortly after a sudden thunderstorm hit the area.
A rapid response vehicle, an air ambulance van and four police vans were still at the scene around 6.30pm.
