Man and two children hospitalised after being 'struck by lightning' in Northern Ireland

The man is in a 'critical condition' and childrens' conditions are not yet known

Lagan Valley Hospital, Lisburn, where the man is said to be in a critical condition (Google maps)

A man is in a critical condition in hospital after being struck by lightning in Northern Ireland, it has been reported.

A seven-year-old girl and a five-year-old boy are also understood to have been injured in the incident and are being treated for burn injuries at Royal Belfast Hospital for Children.

The incident took place in Lisburn, County Antrim. Eye witnesses observed emergency services arriving at Laurel Hill Road to tend to the injured.

The man was taken to nearby Lagan Valley Hospital where he is still receiving medicial treatment, Belfast Live reports.

Eye witnesses told The Belfast Telegraph that the man was collecting his children from school and was talking on his mobile phone when the lightning struck.

Following the incident, The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service has issued a warning urging caution. They said in a statement: "As more thundery showers are forecast with the possibility of lightning we would ask people to remain very vigilant when they are out and about.If there is a high chance of thunder storms – lightning safety advice would suggest that you stay indoors but if you are outside you should avoid open fields and hilltops.

“You should also stay away from tall, isolated trees. If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current travelling between group members. You should also stay away from water and wet items as well as metal objects, which are all excellent conductors of electricity.”