Tributes are being paid to a 9-year-old boy who has died after being struck by lightning on a football field. 

Police were called just after 5pm on Tuesday after receiving reports that a child had been injured 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.

He has been named locally as Jordan Banks.

Police said, although inquiries are still ongoing, it is believed the boy was struck by lightning.

Named as Jordan by his football team at The Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club, they described him as a "shining light and an inspiration to everyone that he met."

Lancashire Telegraph: The message on flowers posted by the football clubThe message on flowers posted by the football club

In the post, the team expressed their sadness and said: "Jordan of our U9 Bees, tragically passed away yesterday evening doing what he loved.

"A strong, determined and courageous young man, who will be missed by everyone.

"The world has truly lost an extraordinary young man, who had done so much good in his community

"We cannot begin to imagine the grief of the family. Our thoughts, prayers, love and hugs go out to them all and to his teammates, friends and coaches who are devastated by the loss."

The Club have said it will be working with the FA to support the family and anyone touched by this tragedy to ensure they get the help they need.

Although the boy did not attend the Spirit of Youth Junior Football Club, he was on their grounds when lightning struck.

On Facebook, they wrote: "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."

The club also shared a picture of flowers and a message of condolence from someone who did not know the young boy but wanted to pay tribute.

A club spokesman said: "Saw this amongst the many pictures that have been on social media. It’s wonderful to see the togetherness and humanity in light of such tragedy."

Detective Superintendent 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 in place following the incident have now 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.