Boy, 9, killed by lightning playing football left chocolates on police cars to cheer them up during pandemic
A LITTLE boy killed by a bolt of lightning left chocolates on police cars to cheer up officers. Jordan Banks, 9, was playing footballing in a field in Blackpool when he was hit by an electrical storm yesterday. The child, who died in hospital, has been praised for his charity work including raising £2,500 for […]
A LITTLE boy killed by a bolt of lightning left chocolates on police cars to cheer up officers.
Jordan Banks, 9, was playing footballing in a field in Blackpool when he was hit by an electrical storm yesterday.
The child, who died in hospital, has been praised for his charity work including raising £2,500 for a mental health charity.
And it has now emerged that Jordan left chocolates on police cars to cheer up cops during the pandemic.
Blackpool Police previously posted a picture of the little lad thanking him for his thoughtful gesture.
They wrote: “Blackpool Team 3 have done some investigation work and managed to track down who has been leaving sweet treats on our vehicles today.
“We want to say a massive thank you yo Jordan! You have most definitely cheered us up today.”
Jordan was critically injured at around 5pm yesterday and died shortly after being rushed to hospital.
In a statement, his 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. We thank you all for your kind words and support but as a family ask that you respect our wishes and privacy.”
Jordan’s devastated stepdad Daniel Begg shared an emotional picture to Instagram today showing him holding hands with the nine-year-old.
It was captioned: “Hand in hand….always” alongside three heart emojis.
Daniel was just feet away sitting in a car when the child was struck by the bolt of lightning, his friend said.
Campbell, whose son was friends with Jordan, said: “Jordan was having a one-to-one coaching session.
“His step-dad was in the car at the time. It is awful.
“He was having a coaching session at the time to help improve his game.
“I feel so sorry for his family and what they are going through.”
Mr Campbell’s son CJ, 9, paid tribute to his pal by leaving a football and flowers. He was travelling home from the Lake District when he heard.
He said: “I am very sad about what happened.
“Jordan was my best friend and I’m going to miss him. I’ve known him since reception class.
“We played football against each other.
“He was very funny and caring and had raised money for charity. He was in my class at school.”
Jordan was a keen footballer and was praised earlier this year by Liverpool star James Milner for his “incredible” charity work.
The youngster raised £2,500 by running 30 miles for a local mental health charity in honour of his Uncle Reece, who took his own life in 2018.
Flowers have been left at the scene for the “little superstar” with a local church to hold services later.
Witnesses have now told how the boy was struck as he trained in the storm.
One said: “It was a one-on-one football session. My sister saw him at school playing with his friends he was friends with my little nephew next minute we find out this so so sad.
“It’s definitely hit hard as we knew his family personally you just wouldn’t ever think something like that would happen it’s so heartbreaking I mean what are the chances.”
Officers were called to the sports field on School Road, Blackpool, shortly after 5pm yesterday to reports that a child had been injured.
Police say that although enquiries are still ongoing, at this time they “believe the boy had been struck by lightning.”
Most read in News
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 in place following the incident have now been lifted.
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.