Tributes paid to nine-year-old boy killed by lightning on football pitch

A nine-year-old boy killed after he was struck by lightning while playing football "died doing what he loved", heartbroken friends said on Wednesday.

Jordan Banks was rushed to hospital after he was injured during a thunderstorm in Blackpool, Lancs, at around 5pm on Tuesday but was pronounced dead a short time later.

The Liverpool-supporting youngster, who played for Clifton Junior Rangers Football Club, was taking part in a one-on-one training session to help improve his abilities on the pitch.

In a statement released through Lancashire Police, Jordan's family said: "Yesterday our worlds stopped. We lost the brightest star, our beautiful boy Jordan.

"His laugh, that infectious smile, golden curls, he was our everything. Wise beyond his years, caring, considerate, generous and so loving. Our love is endless. Goodnight beautiful boy."

According to reports, Jordan's step-father Daniel Begg was sitting inside a vehicle just a few feet away from the scene at the time of the tragedy.

On Wednesday, Mr Begg posted a picture to Instagram of himself holding hands with Jordan accompanied by three heart emojis.

Tributes paid centred on Jordan's charity campaigning earlier this year which saw him raise more than £3,000 for a local mental health group in memory of his late uncle Reece Begg.

In January, Jordan completed a challenge in which he ran a total of 30 miles across the space of 10 days to mark what would have been his relative's 30th birthday.

His efforts were championed by his footballing heroes as Liverpool vice-captain James Milner released a personalised video and two signed shirts to congratulate him.

The England international told him: “To do 30 miles is incredible. Just remember you'll never walk alone, all the boys are behind you and I'll send you a couple of shirts,” James told him in the message.”

Staff at Jordan's school, Stanley Primary School, said they were "completely numb" after news of his death and pledged to hold a "fitting tribute" involving his classmates and family.

Co-headteachers Craig England and Jane Murphy said: "His parents and family should be very proud of the young man he had become. He was so friendly and showed great compassion towards fellow pupils.

“Jordan’s classmates have told us how funny he was, always cracking jokes. We are beyond devastated that we won’t see his cheerful face again.

Coaches at Clifton Junior Rangers Football Club described Jordan as a "shining light" and said he died "doing what he loved".

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

Liverpool Football Club said on social media yesterday (WEDS) evening: "The thoughts of everybody at Liverpool Football Club are with Jordan's family and friends. Rest in peace, Jordan Banks."

The club posted nine football emojis with its message, in line with a tribute posted by Clifton Rangers earlier in the day.

James Milner described him as "a special boy, taken far too soon", adding: "Rest in peace Jordan, you'll never walk alone."

Blackpool Town Hall lowered its flag to half-mast as a mark of respect, while Blackpool Tower was illuminated in red to reflect the youngster's support of Liverpool Football Club.

Former Liverpool player David Thompson was among those to express his condolences to the family, describing Jordan’s death as “utterly devastating”.

Lancashire Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious as the force appealed for witnesses to come forward.

The last reported fatal lightning strike in Britain took place in June 2019, when Isobel Bytautas was killed while walking in the Scottish Highlands during a thunderstorm.

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), three people in the UK are killed by lightning every year.