A boy has been struck by lightning on a beach on the New South Wales

The child, who is believed to be aged 10 years old or under, was hit at Warilla near Wollongong about 5.20pm today after a storm cell entered the area late this afternoon, NSW Police told 9News.com.au.

NSW Ambulance said the boy suffered chest burns.

READ MORE: Australians again mark January 26 in different ways

He was driven in an ambulance to Westmead Children's Hospital under police escort.

This is a breaking news story. More to come…