THE son of Burnley Football Club's assistant manager Sam Ellis has been killed after stepping into the path of a lorry.

Timothy James Ellis, 28, was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital with multiple injuries after the incident, on the A583 Kirkham bypass at around 4.50pm yesterday. Lancashire Police today confirmed Mr Ellis was a patient at the psychiatric unit at Royal Preston Hospital.

Burnley's match at Gillingham is to go-ahead tonight, with the Burnley team wearing black arm bands as a mark of respect.

The team and management staff had stayed in the south after Sunday's game at Wolves.

Police believe that Timothy, of Preston Street, Kirkham, stepped out into the path of a heavy goods vehicle that was following the 50 per hour speed limit on the eastbound carriageway.

It is believed he had been walking along the road with the hood of his jacket pulled over his head, shortly before stepping into the road.

The 17-tonne lorry involved in the accident belongs to hauliers, WH Bowker.

The road was closed until 8pm while police road traffic investigators worked at the scene.

A statement from the club said: "It is with deep sadness that Burnley Football Club reports the tragic death of the son of assistant manager Sam Ellis.

"Both the chairman, directors and staff of Burnley Football Club send their deepest sympathy and condolences to the Ellis family."

Today treasurer of Colne Clarets Alan Beacroft said everyone was shocked and saddened by the news.

He said: "I heard last night. It is everyone's worst nightmare losing a member of the family in circumstances like that.

"Everyone feels nothing but sadness."

He added: "Sam is very popular as the manager's right-hand man and it is tragic that this has happened."

Officers are appealing for witnesses to the accident and can be contacted on 01253 293933.

Sam Ellis, 55, has worked with Stan Ternent since he asked him to be his assistant at Bury in 1995.

The pair enjoyed successive promotions with the Shakers until the duo moved to Turf Moor in 1998.