Gratitude of lightning boy's family

The family of a boy struck by lightning at his school have thanked the people that came to his aid.

Joe Compton is in a stable condition in hospital after being hit as he stood in the car park of the Dorcan Academy in Swindon, Wiltshire, on Wednesday.

The 11-year-old's family said in a statement: "Joe is in a stable condition at Frenchay Hospital with his family by his side. We would like to thank everyone for their support.

"We would particularly like to express our gratitude to the PE staff and leisure centre staff who came to Joe's aid - we owe a huge amount of thanks to them."

The Year 7 pupil was taken to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon before being transferred to the specialist Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.

When the accident happened, first aiders from the nearby Dorcan Recreation Centre rushed to treat Joe and were quickly joined by paramedics from the Great Western Ambulance Service.

He had suffered a cardiac arrest, electrical shock and severe burns.

A statement posted on the school's Facebook page said: "A Year 7 student was struck by lightning in the school car park while waiting for a lift home.

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

Joe's school friends took to social networking sites, including Facebook an Twitter, to post messages of support.