A Peruvian football player was killed and several more were injured after being struck by lightning in the middle of a match.

Jose Hugo de la Cruz Meza, a 39-year-old defender, had been playing in a local clash when the televised game was suspended after 22 minutes because of stormy weather.

Just moments after the match was stopped, a jolt of lightning struck the pitch, instantly killing Mr de La Cruz Meza.

Juan Chocca Llacta, one of the goalkeepers, was also injured in the strike and is being treated for serious burns at a nearby hospital.

Local authorities believe Mr de La Cruz may have been killed because of a metal bracelet he was wearing at the time.