A British man has died after being struck by lightning on a Florida beach.

Garry Perks, originally from the Scottish Highlands, played amateur football for Brora Rangers and Tain Thistle in Scotland before moving to the US.

The 32-year-old was hit on Clearwater Beach near Tampa, Florida, last Sunday and went into cardiac arrest.

He was taken to hospital but died on Wednesday.

Mr Perks moved to the US on a football scholarship in his early twenties and tributes have been paid by friends in Scotland and America.

The North of Scotland Football Annual tweeted that its thoughts were “with the family and close friends of former Brora Rangers and Tain Thistle player Garry Perks, who sadly passed away this past week”.

“Gone way too soon and shall be missed and fondly remembered by many,” it added.

“Everyone connected to Tain Thistle is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of club legend Garry Perks,” said his former club on Twitter.

“We are all thinking of Garry’s friends and family in both Scotland and in the United States. He will be greatly missed by all who played with him or enjoyed watching him.”

Seven other people were injured in the lightning strike but their injuries are not life threatening.

Ten people have been killed by lightning strikes in the US this year, according to the country’s National Weather Service.

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