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Page last updated at 13:49 GMT, Tuesday, 22 July 2008 14:49 UK
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Boy found hanging from rope swing

Joe Richardson
Joe Richardson was reported missing by his mother

A 12-year-old boy has been found hanging by a rope swing in woodland in Lancashire.

Joe Richardson, of Up Holland, was reported missing on Monday night after he failed to return to his home in Dewberry Fields after playing out.

He was found hanging from a tree in a wooded area and was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Lancashire Police are investigating the death, but say they are not treating it as suspicious.

Joe was found after friends and neighbours started to search for him when he failed to return home at 2100 BST.

Joe was a quiet, bright and articulate young man
Peter Doyle
Headteacher at Up Holland High School

His mother, Soffia Rawsterne, said: "Joe was friendly, popular and much loved.

"We are struggling to come to terms with his death and would be grateful for privacy at this extremely difficult time."

The coroner has been informed, but the cause of Joe's death has not been confirmed.

Joe was a pupil at Up Holland High School in Orrell.

Headteacher Peter Doyle said: "Joe was a quiet, bright and articulate young man.

"He had many friends at school and we had no concerns for him. I, fellow teachers and pupils are in complete shock at this tragic time.

"Our staff will do their utmost to ensure that each pupil in the school will receive the support they need to cope. Our thoughts go out to his family."



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