Golfer still seriously ill

The two men were sheltering from a storm when they were struck

A golfer who was struck by lightning in Northampton has been transferred to a specialist care unit.

Colin Green, 20, and his 30-year-old golfing partner Simon Blundell, were sheltering under a tree on the Kingsthorpe golf course when they were both struck by lightning.

Mr Green's heart stopped when he took a direct hit from the lightning strike on Sunday afternoon.

Paramedics managed to revive him as they took him to Northampton General Hospital.

He also suffered burns to his body.

On Tuesday Mr Green was moved from the intensive care unit at Northampton General Hospital to Stoke Mandeville Hospital.

Mr Blundell was released from hospital after treatment for burns.

Trees explode

Roger Vincent from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents said it was dangerous to shelter under trees during storms.

"They are often the high point in an area and you may receive a side flash shock.

"Also trees literally explode when hit by lightning and bark can injure like shrapnel."

He said carrying metal objects like golf clubs or umbrellas could increase the likelihood of being struck.

Mr Green and Mr Blundell were taking part in a league competition at the time of the storm.