A nine-year-old UK boy has died after being struck by lightning.

Police were called just after 5pm on Tuesday after receiving reports that a child had been injuried on a football field in the Lancashire seaside resort town of Blackpool.

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

A spokesperson for the police told the Lancashire Telegraph: "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.