Nine-year-old boy dies after being struck by lightning in Blackpool
His family are now being supported by specialist officers.
Last updated 12th May 2021
A nine-year-old boy has died after being struck by lightning on a football field in Blackpool.
Police were called shortly after 5.05pm today (Tuesday, May 11th) to the fields off School Road, to reports a child had been injured.
Emergency services attended the scene and the child was rushed to hospital with serious injuries. He sadly died a short time later.
Although enquiries are ongoing, officers believe he had been struck by lightning.
His family have been informed, and they're now being supported by specialist officers.
Det Supt 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."
The road was closed for a number of hours whilst officers carried out enquiries. All road closures have now been lifted.
Anybody with information about the incident, or who witnessed it and has not yet spoken to police, is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting log 1169 of May 11th.
Spirit of Youth Junior Football Club have paid tribute:
"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."
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