THE inquest into the death of Burnley teenager Declan Edwards has been opened.

The 16-year-old youngster was found in woodland at Rowley Park last Thursday afternoon.

Declan, a pupil at Unity College, was reported missing on May 3 after last being seen making his way home from Towneley Park to Waddington Avenue around 2pm.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out and the cause of death was found to be hanging.

Martin Hall, Burnley coroner’s officer, said: “Even though we have been given a cause of death, there are still some samples to be taken.”

The full inquest will be heard on August 19.

A pathologist has been contacted to carry out more tests. Statements are due to be taken and the coroner is waiting for the police investigation to be closed.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Declan’s death.