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."

The boy was described as “a shining light and inspiration to everyone” by his football club.

In a statement on Facebook the Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club said: “It is with great sadness and a very heavy heart we announce that the tragic incident yesterday involved one of our own players.

“Jordan of our U9 Bees, tragically passed away yesterday evening doing what he loved.

“Jordan was a shining light and an inspiration to everyone that he met.

“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.”

Two GoFundMe pages have been set up in memory of the youngster, which had raised nearly £10,000 between them by Wednesday afternoon.

One praised the boy’s charity work and said he had raised £3,000 earlier this year for a mental health charity in memory of his uncle.

It added: “There are no words that could possibly be written to begin to explain the pain the family of Jordan must be feeling.

“After raising £3K for Counselling in the Community just this year, in memory of his uncle, it’s now time for us to come together as a community and help give back to such an incredibly, thoughtful and caring young lad who has been taken way too soon in a tragic incident.”

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.”