STAFF and pupils from a high school are rallying together after a 13-year-old student was hurt falling from a bridge.

Emergency services were called to the A56, near Haslingden Tesco supermarket, at around 1.15pm on Thursday.

It has now been confirmed the teenager is a Haslingden High School pupil.

Mark Jackson, headteacher at Haslingden High School, said: “I can confirm that one of our pupils was taken to hospital yesterday, following an incident on a bridge over the A56 at Haslingden.

“The news of this incident came as a tremendous shock.

“We are working together as a close-knit community to deal with it and have already made sure that appropriate support is available to our children and colleagues in school.

“Our thoughts are very much with the pupil and his family and friends and we wish him as quick a recovery as possible.

“Any parent or carer with questions or concerns can raise them directly with me.

“I would also urge any witnesses who have not yet spoken to police, or any drivers with dashcam footage, to contact the police.”

It is believed that the teenager was hit by a van and the A56 was closed for three hours.

The boy is in hospital recovering from his injuries and his condition is not believed to be life-threatening.

READ > Boy, 13, survives fall from A56 bridge in Haslingden

Cllr David Stansfield, who is the Lancashire County Councillor of the area, said: “It is tragic news and I feel sorry for the child and everybody associated with the child.

“It seems at the moment that this is happening to more youngsters. It is not good and we have to step up to the mark as a country to help with mental health. If I can help the school or the child or the family then my phone is always available 24/7 to support them.”

It comes after Haslingden High sixth form student, Rachel Collins, died when she fell from a bridge in a similar spot on the A56 last October. An inquest earlier this week ruled her death was suicide.

Any witnesses or drivers with dashcam footage, should contact 101 quoting log 685 of January 9.