Joseph Wharton is believed to have been camping at his friend's house

Joseph Wharton is believed to have been camping at his best friend Michael Lees' house in Cresswell Crescent, Bloxwich, when he was hit at around 0750 BST on Tuesday.

He was taken to Walsall Manor Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Michael's father, Shaun, said he was "devastated" by the death and described Joseph as a "smashing lad".

'Football trials'

He said: "It's a tragic loss of life.

"He knew what to do in life. He had trials with West Bromwich Albion and was adult enough to know he needed to get a trade as well.

"He was my son's best mate and round here, your son's best mate is part of your family."

Paramedics attempted to revive Joseph at Mr Jones' house before he was transferred to hospital.

Officers who attended the scene had to talk to trained counsellors because the incident was so traumatic.

A spokeswoman for Walsall Manor Hospital said: "A 14-year-old boy was brought into the hospital where a resuscitation team was waiting for him.

"Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead. Our sympathy goes out to the family."

Supt Bob Bird told BBC News Online the incident had occurred at the time of a violent storm in Bloxwich.

"Although the boy had been camping with his friend, he was on his own at the time.

"His family are extremely distressed and we have had officers comforting them."