A nine-year-old boy has sadly died after being hit by lightning.

Police were called just after 5pm today (Tuesday) after receiving reports that a child had been injuried on a football field off School Road in Blackpool.

Emergency services attended and the boy was taken to hospital but tragically died a short time later.

A spokesperson for the police said: "Although enquiries are still ongoing, at this time we believe the boy had been struck by lightning."

The boy's family have been informed and are being supported by officers.

Det Supt Nick Connaughton of Lancashire Police 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."

Road closures were put in place in the immediate area but these have since been lifted.

Anybody with information about the incident, or who witnessed it and has not yet spoken to police, is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting log 1169 of May 11.