NEWS & Star readers have been paying tribute to a nine-year-old boy who lost his life after being struck by lightning in a freak accident.

Jordan Banks was killed when a thunderstorm hit as he was playing football on Common Edge playing fields in Blackpool on Tuesday.

Jordan’s family this week issued a heartbreaking tribute to their “brightest star – our beautiful boy Jordan”.

The devastating news has touched the entire football community.

Clubs and individuals have been posting nine football emojis in a row on Twitter as a symbolic tribute to the nine-year-old, who played with Clifton Rangers Bees Under 9s.

Flowers, football shirts and messages of condolence have been left at the field in Lancashire where Jordan had been taking part in a coaching session on Tuesday.

Footballers including Liverpool’s James Milner have paid tribute to the boy who had recently raised £3,000 for charity by running 30 miles in 10 days in memory of his uncle.

Carlisle United’s head coach sent his own tribute, as did Workington Reds.

Several News & Star readers sent their own tributes to Jordan. Lesley Johnston wrote: “RIP little man. Thoughts are with your family at this sad time.”

Will Pattinson added: “RIP little man...so young. God bless you.”

Val Maxwell wrote: “Such a beautiful little boy. Heartbreaking,” while Janice Cowan added: “You can’t begin to imagine how his family are feeling, heartbreaking.” Natalie Dunn said: “Sleep tight beautiful boy.”

In a statement, Jordan’s family described him as “caring, considerate, generous and so loving”, adding that their “world had stopped”.

The statement added: “We lost the brightest star, our beautiful boy Jordan.

“His laugh, that infectious smile, golden curls, he was our everything.”

An online fundraiser in Jordan’s memory has already seen more than £60,000 donated.