A full inquest into the death of Jordan Banks will be held in July, a coroner has ruled.

The nine-year-old was seriously injured when he was struck by lightning on playing fields in Blackpool, Lancashire, last Tuesday.

Coroner Alan Wilson formally opened an inquest into his death at a hearing at Blackpool Town Hall today.

Mr Wilson said: “Jordan is said to have been participating in a football coaching session on School Road football field when he was said to have been struck by lightning.”

Jordan Banks tragically died on Tuesday evening after being struck by lightning
Jordan Banks tragically died on Tuesday evening after being struck by lightning

He said Jordan was taken by ambulance to Blackpool Victoria Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly before 6pm.

The coroner said the court had been told Jordan’s death was due to being struck by lightning and it was not felt necessary for a post mortem to be carried out.

Mr Wilson said evidence, including from eye witnesses and medical professionals, would be gathered ahead of a further hearing on July 21.

“In conclusion, the inquest into the death of Jordan Banks is formally opened," he told the hearing.

“I express the condolences of everybody here at the coroner’s court in Blackpool to Jordan’s family.”

Four members of the press were in court for the hearing and the court heard Jordan’s family had preferred not to attend.

Footballers and MPs were among those who paid tribute to Jordan following his death, with the Liverpool team wearing shirts with his name on to warm up for their match against Manchester United last week.

In a statement released by Lancashire Police, Jordan’s family said: “We lost the brightest star our beautiful boy Jordan.

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