A 12-year-old boy is in a critical condition after being hit by lightning at a school in Hertfordshire.

The child and a man in his 50s were struck at The Sele School in Hertford this afternoon during a district football tournament.

An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson told the Watford Observer: “We were called at 5.16pm with reports that two people, a 12-year-old boy and a man in his fifties, had been struck by lightning in Welwyn Road, Hertford.

“We sent East Anglian Air Ambulance, two ambulance officer vehicles, an ambulance, a BASICS vehicle and a rapid response car.

“The child was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital in a critical condition and the man was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital for further care. Both were conveyed by land ambulance.”

Update: Boy reportedly 'stable' after being hit by lightning at Herts school

Following the incident, the school's headteacher Chris Quach posted on its Facebook page: “There was a district football tournament organised by an external body at The Sele School. Sadly, a young boy from another school and an adult was struck by lightning during this event.

“They have been taken to the hospital.

“Myself, the entire staff at Sele and wider community would like to thank emergency services, the community and our first aiders who were quick to respond whilst waiting for emergency services.”