A nine-year-old boy who died after being hit by a lightning strike has been named.
Jordan Banks was playing on a football field off School Road in Blackpool yesterday when he was struck by lightning.
The young Liverpool FC fan was rushed to hospital at around 5pm with "serious injuries" but died a short time later, Lancs Live report.
Jordan received a special message from Reds star James Milner in January, when the vice-captain sent him message after he ran a marathon in honour of a close family member who took his own life in 2018.
In the touching message, Milner said: "Hi Jordan, how's it going? I've heard that you're doing an amazing thing in raising funds for counselling in honour of your uncle Reece. I think running a marathon is an incredible feat, and it's difficult with people doing it with legs a lot bigger than yours, but to do 30 miles is incredible.
"I heard you get called mini Milner because you're very determined, so that's an amazing skill to have, never ever give up and I hear you've been out in all weather fighting in the cold and the rain, so you keep going, and keep doing what you're doing mate.
"Just remember you'll never walk alone, all the boys are behind you and I'll send you a couple of shirts - one for yourself for doing an amazing thing and another that you can hopefully raise a bit of money from and put it towards all the money you're raising.
"Well done bud, it's an amazing achievement and you should be very proud."
Tributes have poured in for the youngster, who was a pupil at Stanley Primary School in Blackpool, across social media.
Grassroots Football UK said: "In honour of that poor 9 year old boy tragically struck by lightning yesterday, while at football training and to show compassion, solidarity and support to his family, friends and coaches etc
"I'm hoping you'll all follow and post 9 footballs on your wall. In the hope that his family will see far and wide how much they are truly in our thoughts at this most difficult time for them, let's show them their not alone, we stand with you, we grieve with you."
A spokesperson for Spirit of Youth Junior 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.
"The tragic incident happened on our home ground at Common Edge playing fields but it was not during a club training session.
"The young boy was not a Spirit of Youth player, but, 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 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."
