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‘We are heartbroken’: 9yo boy dies after being struck by lightning during thunderstorm while playing football in northern England
A nine-year-old boy has died after being struck by lightning during a thunderstorm while taking part in a training session in the Lancashire town of Blackpool, with police reporting that he was unable to be saved in hospital.
The child was injured on a playing field on Tuesday evening as a thunderstorm hit the north-western town.
Inquiries are still ongoing, with Lancashire Police and the team which uses the field, Spirit of Youth Junior FC, both said that the boy had been struck by lightning.
"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," said Nick Connaughton, of the force whose officers are now supporting the boy's family.
UPDATE: 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. pic.twitter.com/PNtFHo1Bwx
— Blackpool Police (@BlackpoolPolice) May 11, 2021
This is so tragic, the poor lad. His family & friends must be heartbroken.
— Sandra Marks
