A nine-year-old boy has died after he was struck by lightning while playing football in Blackpool.
The emergency services were called out to football pitches of School Road in the town at around 5pm today ( Tuesday) following reports of an injury.
A child was taken to hospital with "serious injuries."
Earlier this evening Lancashire Police confirmed that the boy had died. The child has not yet been identified.
A police spokesman said: " A nine-year-old boy has sadly died following an incident on a football field earlier this evening.
"We were called shortly after 5.05pm today (Tuesday, May 11th) to the fields off School Road, to reports a child had been injured.
"Although enquiries are still ongoing, at this time we believe the boy had been struck by lightning.
"Emergency services attended and he was taken to hospital, but sadly died a short time later.
"The boy's family have been informed and are being supported by officers."
Detective Superintendent Nick Connaughton of Lancashire Police described the incident as "devastating."
He 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."
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