Jordan Banks killed after being struck by lightning in Blackpool 'was our everything,' say family

• Report by ITV Granada Reports correspondent Amy Welch

Tributes have been paid to a nine-year-old boy who died after being struck by lightning on a football field in Blackpool.

Jordan Banks is believed to have been taking part in a private coaching session when the incident occurred.

In a statement, Jordan’s family said: "Yesterday our worlds stopped. We lost the brightest star our beautiful boy Jordan.

They continued: "Goodnight beautiful boy. We thank you all for your kind words and support.”

Officers from Lancashire Police were called shortly after 5pm on Tuesday to Spirit of Youth Junior Football Club near to School Road to reports a child had been injured.

Emergency services attended and Jordan was taken to hospital with severe injuries, but he died a short time later.

Police say it is believed he was struck while playing football, although enquiries are continuing.

Tributes have been pouring in for the school boy, including from his best friend CJ Campbell, who has known Jordan since reception.

The nine-year-old went to the field to lay flowers and a football to remember his friend.

CJ said: "He is a very nice person, always happy, cares for everybody.

"He was a funny person. He is my very best friend and I'll always care for him."

Clifton Rangers Junior Football Club, where he played, said the young footballer was an inspiration to everyone he met.

Chairman Andy McDonald added: "He enjoyed his football, enjoyed running and enjoyed all different aspects of life, acting and also his school life.

"Our hearts and thoughts are with the parents of the young lad who tragically passed away.

"On behalf of the club we'd like to wish our sorrow and our condolences to the family and we at this moment in time our support is with his team mates and coaches involved with the club and any of the parents."

A GoFundMe page has also been set up to help towards funeral costs, with anything further given to a charity of the family's choice.

In a statement on the page, family friend Jessica Mar wrote: "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 a 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.

"Anything, no matter how big or small donation, please help as I know whether you knew Jordan personally or have just heard about him through social media, this is something that is so heart wrenching and should never have happened. 

"All money will be going to the Family of Jordan, to help towards funeral costs and anything extra will be donated to a cause chosen by the family."

Jordan, one of three children, was a pupil at Stanley Primary School in Blackpool.

Craig England and Jane Murphy, Co-Headteachers at Stanley Primary School, said the school was "completely numb" to "have lost a member of our family".

They continued: "Jordan was a bright, bubbly pupil loved by staff and pupils alike. He was a very determined young man which was demonstrated by his charity efforts at the start of the year.

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

"Our thoughts are with Jordan’s family and will offer them any support we can.

"When the time is right we will plan a fitting tribute with his classmates and family."

On Thursday night, Blackpool Tower was lit up in red to honour the school boy. A Tweet from the Blackpool Tower Twitter account read: ''Tonight, the Blackpool Tower is lit up in red. Yesterday our community lost one of it's brightest lights, so this evening we stand alongside Jordan Banks family, friends and our community to remember a remarkable young man. #LiverpoolFC ''

The England football team has sent condolences to Jordan's family describing his death as "so sad."

Earlier this year the Liverpool FC fan received a special message from one of his favourite players, James Milner, after he ran a marathon in honour of a close relative who took his own life in 2018.

Liverpool FC's vice-captain praised the 'mini Milner' for running the fundraising marathon and told him 'you'll never walk alone'.

• Video from Liverpool Echo

James Milner said in the touching video message: "I heard you get called mini Milner because you're very determined, so that's an amazing skill to have, never ever give up and I hear you've been out in all weather fighting in the cold and the rain, so you keep going, and keep doing what you're doing mate.

"Just remember you'll never walk alone, all the boys are behind you and I'll send you a couple of shirts - one for yourself for doing an amazing thing and another that you can hopefully raise a bit of money from and put it towards all the money you're raising.

"Well done bud, it's an amazing achievement and you should be very proud."

During his runs, in January, Jordan also left a number of sweets on police vehicles - an action captured by Blackpool Police on their Twitter.

Heartfelt tributes including flowers, football shirts and messages have been left at the playing fields.

Tributes have also poured in for the youngster across social media.

Four police vans, a rapid response vehicle and an air ambulance van attended the scene following the incident.

Spirit of Youth Junior FC said Jordan was not one of their players and was taking part in a private coaching session.

Club secretary Daniel Pack said three teams had been due to train during the evening but the sessions had been cancelled due to the storm.

• Anybody with information about the incident, or who witnessed it and has not yet spoken to police is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting log 1169 of May 11