Blackpool boy, 9, killed in lightning strike on playing field
- Published
A nine-year-old boy has died after apparently being struck by lightning during a football coaching session.
The child was injured on a playing field in the Common Edge Road area of Blackpool shortly after 17:00 BST when a thunderstorm hit the Lancashire town.
Lancashire Police said he was taken to hospital but did not survive.
Spirit of Youth Junior FC, which uses the field, said the boy was understood to have been taking part in a private coaching session.
Police said that although inquiries were still ongoing it was believed the boy was struck by lightning.
Det Supt Nick Connaughton 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."
Spirit of Youth's club secretary Daniel Pack said three teams had been due to train this evening but the sessions were cancelled due to the storm.
"The whole committee is devastated and our thoughts are with the boy's family and the coach," he said.
Police said the boy's family had been informed and were being supported by officers.