Boy, 11, struck by lightning

A schoolboy is in hospital after being struck by lightning, emergency services said.

The 11-year-old, who is believed to be a pupil at the Dorcan Academy in Swindon, was injured shortly after 3pm today.

The boy received medical attention from staff at the school and Great Western Ambulance Service after going into cardiac arrest.

John Oliver, a spokesman for the Great Western Ambulance Service, said: "We received a call at 3.10pm today reporting that a young lad, believed to be an 11-year-old pupil at the Dorcan Academy in St Paul's Drive, Swindon had been struck by lightning.

"We had a paramedic in a rapid response vehicle on scene at 3.16pm and an ambulance crew a couple of minutes later.

"In the meantime, while we were on route, we understand the better trained first aiders from the school were providing CPR because the patient had in affect been electrocuted and gone into cardiac arrest.

"Our paramedics took over treatment when they arrived on scene. They got a heart beat and him breathing for himself again on scene.

"We took him straight to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon and he arrived there at 3.34pm.

"In terms of our response he was in hospital conscious and breathing again within 24 minutes."

Mr Oliver added: "He is in a potentially life-threatening condition.

"The quick response from school staff and paramedics gave him the best chance of survival."

PA