HEARTBROKEN staff at a York school have paid tribute to an “incredibly popular” pupil who died after being found hanging at his home.

The 12-year-old from York High School, named locally as Liam Cole, was discovered unconscious at the property in Bramham Avenue, Chapelfields, Acomb.

North Yorkshire Police said officers were called at about 1.10pm on Sunday afternoon by the ambulance service.

“The boy received emergency treatment and was taken to York Hospital where, sadly, he was pronounced dead,” said a force spokeswoman.

She said police were investigating to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.

However, officers believed there were no suspicious circumstances and a report would be prepared for the coroner.

A Yorkshire Ambulance spokeswoman said a crew was called at about 1pm to an address in Bramham Avenue, where it treated a 12-year-old boy before transferring him to York Hospital for further care.

David Ellis, head teacher at York High School, said everyone in the school community was devastated by the news.

He said the pupil had been a “lovely young man who was incredibly popular with staff and his peers”.

He said: “It was not unusual for him to sit and have lunch with me and he really enjoyed school. He was involved in lots of activities at school, often arriving as early as possible and staying late to attend after school clubs.

“We are all heartbroken that a young man with so much to offer has been taken away from us.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this terrible time. We are all pulling together to support each other, our young people and their families.”

Mark Barnett, former headteacher of Westfield Primary Community School, in Askham Lane, York, which Liam attended before moving on to York High, said: "When I heard the news I was extremely shocked. I always remember Liam as going out of his way to say ‘good morning’ to me. My sympathies go to his family.”

Coun Andrew Waller, City of York Council leader, who is a governor at the school, said “It’s a very tragic event. I have been in to the school today and it has obviously caused a tremendous impact.”

A woman at Liam’s family home said it was too soon to comment.