IMAGE BY PA
Tributes have been paid to a nine-year-old boy who died after apparently being struck by lightning on a football field in Blackpool.
Officers from Lancashire Police were called shortly after 5pm on Tuesday to fields near to School Road to reports a child had been injured.
Emergency services attended and the boy, named in reports as Jordan Banks, was taken to hospital but died a short time later, the force added.
Police said that although inquiries were still ongoing, it is believed the boy was struck by lightning.
Grassroots Football UK are asking people on social media to post nine football emojis "To show compassion, solidarity and support to his family, friends and coaches." In their post that has gone viral they said: "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."