Blackpool: Boy, 9, killed after being struck by lightning on field

11 May 2021, 21:18 | Updated: 12 May 2021, 10:11

By Nick Hardinges

@NHardinges

A nine-year-old boy has died after it is believed he was struck by lightning on a football field in Blackpool, Lancashire.

Police said they were responded to reports of an injured child on the playing field near School Road at around 5:05pm on Tuesday.

The boy, who officers believe was struck by lightning in a thunderstorm, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Blackpool Police later confirmed he had died and that enquiries are still ongoing.

The boy's family have been informed and are being supported by officers.

Surrounding roads were temporarily closed and people have been asked to avoid the area where possible.

Spirit of Youth Junior FC, which uses the field that lies south of the town centre, said it does not believe he was one of their players.

Reports suggest the boy was taking part in a private coaching session.

The club's secretary Daniel Pack said: "We extend our sincerest condolences to the family involved. We are all very upset and saddened by this whole thing. The whole club is shocked."

In a statement posted online, Spirit of Youth Junior Football Club added: "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.

"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."

A spokesperson for Blackpool Police 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."

Earlier on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "We were called shortly after 5:05pm today (Tuesday 11 May) to a football field on School Road, Blackpool, to reports a child had been injured.

"Although enquiries are still ongoing, at this time we believe the boy had been struck by lightning.

"He has since been taken to hospital with serious injuries.

"Road closures are currently in place and we would ask that people avoid the area and motorists find alternative routes where possible."

Anybody with information or who witnessed the incident has been asked to get in touch with the police on 101, quoting log 1169 of 11 May.