Lightning strike schoolboy dies

A teenage boy who was struck by lightning on his way home from school has died.

Gary Bevan, 13, was hit by the lightning bolt as he crossed a field during a thunder storm on Friday in Huntingdon, Cambs.

His heart and major internal organs were seriously damaged by the force of the strike.

As his condition was not improving the family took the decision to switch off the life support machine on Wednesday.

He was being treated at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge

Gary was a popular, friendly, easy-going boy who was well liked by everyone Chris Owen, head teacher

Chris Owen, head teacher of Spring Common School in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, where Gary was a pupil, said on Thursday: "The whole school community is greatly saddened by the news of Gary's death.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.

"He was fighting his injuries courageously, but his condition was not improving, and it was decided to switch off his life-support machine yesterday afternoon.

"He died at 1725 BST. His family were with him.

"Pupils and staff at Spring Common are understandably upset. Gary was a popular, friendly, easy-going boy who was well liked by everyone.

"Education psychologists and other support will be in school today for anyone who needs it."