A YOUNG boy has been killed after apparently being struck by lightning during football practice on an outdoor pitch.
The boy, who has not been named but is said to be just nine years old, was injured while playing football in Blackpool, England yesterday evening.
According to Lancashire Police, the child was taken to hospital just after 5pm yesterday but had suffered catastrophic injuries and sadly did not survive.
While enquiries are ongoing, police believe the child was struck by lightning.
The boy is understood to have been using the football pitch as part of a private coaching session with Spirit Of Youth FC when a thunderstorm hit Blackpool and lightning struck the playing field near Common Edge Road.
In a statement posted to Facebook, the Spirit of Youth football club said:
"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.
"As a club, we are heartbroken and we offer our deepest condolences to the boy's family.
Saw this amongst the many pictures that have been on social media. It’s wonderful to see the togetherness and humanity in Iight of such tragedy.
Posted by Spirit of Youth Junior Football Club - Blackpool on Tuesday, 11 May 2021
"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.
"Rest in peace young man."
Detective Superintendent Nick Connaughton of the Lancashire Police said the tragedy was "a truly devastating incident".
"Our thoughts are wholeheartedly with this family and friends of the young boy who has passed away at this very sad and distressing time."
See More: Blackpool, Lightning Strike, RIP
