INITIAL investigations into the death of a 12-year-old boy who was found hanging have not revealed bullying was a factor.

Police have said it still remains unclear why Michael Raven hanged himself but his school has said it had ‘not been made aware’ of any bullying concerns despite rumours circulating online.

An investigation is being undertaken by police with Michael’s school, St Wilfrid’s CofE Academy, Blackburn.

He was discovered in his bedroom at his home in the Brunshaw area of Burnley at 5.20pm on Monday and pronounced dead at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Police said officers were working with the coroner to prepare a file for the inquest.

Michael has been described as a ‘bright’ and ‘bubbly’ youngster by his school.

He had been looking forward to a trip to Austria with 140 other pupils in January.

As a special tribute his friends will be holding a memorial in a full school assembly today.

The year eight students have put together a presentation about Michael for the morning assembly which will end in a prayer for him.

David Whyte, principal of St Wilfrid’s CofE Academy, said: “The school is aware of the rumours and accusations being made on social networks and have already started an investigation.

“We can confirm that the school was not made aware of any bullying concerns in relation to Michael.

“Had we been informed of any concerns we would have followed appropriate school procedure and acted accordingly.

“Any accusations of bullying are taken extremely seriously by this school.

“I would like to make it clear that it is particularly unhelpful and inappropriate for anyone to speculate and circulate unfounded rumours.”