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

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

A boy has been struck by lightning in Blackpool
A boy has been struck by lightning in Blackpool. Picture: LBC
Nick Hardinges

By Nick Hardinges

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.

The boy was playing on a football field when he was struck by lightning
The boy was playing on a football field when he was struck by lightning. Picture: LBC

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."

Officers said the boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries
Officers said the boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Picture: LBC

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.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Police officers stand next to a restaurant as people protest against overtourism in the Balearic island of Mallorca

Spain: Brits warned of tough rules for holidaying this summer

The Home Office UK Visas & Immigration Office at Lunar House in Croydon, London, UK.

Home Office tells children, aged 11 and eight, they must return to Brazil without parents or face being 'detained'

Yvonne Ford, 59, from Barnsley.

Pictured: Brit grandmother who died from rabies after being scratched by puppy as family issues stark warning

The 35-year-old received the news after earning his biggest win in two years, which also helped him reclaim a spot in the world's top 200 rankings

Dan Evans handed Wimbledon wildcard after stunning win over world No.13 Frances Tiafoe

How Iran could hit back: The growing threat to Western bases as Israeli strikes on Tehran escalate

How Iran could hit back: The growing threat to Western bases as Israeli strikes on Tehran escalate

Jennifer Abbot, 69, was discovered stabbed to death in her Camden home

Manhunt as police search for suspect after woman, 69, stabbed to death in home over 'diamond-encrusted Rolex'

Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho.

'We'll make him pay': Leaked Jose Mourinho texts spark scandal in Turkish football

Exclusive
'If you find a gun, you phone the police': Fishing for firearms, knives and grenades in the canals of the North

'If you find a gun, you phone the police': Fishing for firearms, knives and grenades along Britain's canals

Metropolitan Police handout photo of disgraced paedophile Gary Glitter.

Gary Glitter to remain in jail after parole board turn down release bid

Annabel Rook

Children of 'murdered' mother-of-two found in her £1.4m home after gas explosion escaped as they were 'at a sleepover'

Morocco is estimated to have around 3 million stray dogs, known locally as "Beldis"

Brit dies from rabies after contact with stray dog while on holiday in Morocco

A court sketch drawn from a video link shows Erin Patterson giving evidence in her own homicide trial at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court in Morwell, Victoria

Woman on trial for 'mushroom murders' should not be found guilty for 'lying', defence argues

Eddie Howe faces decisions over how to line up his squad next season

How Newcastle could line-up for 2025-26

Forensic experts and DGCA officials searching for evidence at Air India Plane crash site

'Major breakthrough' in Air India crash investigation as experts spot 'game-changing' detail in new video

Iran's supreme leader has hit back at Trump.

Iran will not surrender, supreme leader says, as he warns of 'irreparable damage' if US launches strikes

Heston Blumenthal posing for photographers outside his Fat Duck restaurant in Bray, Berkshire, in 2009.

Chef Heston Blumenthal says moment he was sectioned was ‘like a nightmare’