AN investigation has ruled that bullying was not a factor in the death of a schoolboy found hanged in his bedroom.

The body of Michael Raven, a 12-year-old pupil at St Wilfrid’s CE High in Blackburn, was found at his Burnley home last November.

Online speculation, in the aftermath of the tragic death, centred on alleged bullying at the Duckworth Street school.

But the education authority said there were no bullying concerns immediately prior to Michael’s death.

It is understood that detectives have found no clear trigger for his death and confirmed that ‘consistent bullying’ was not a factor.

Recording a narrative verdict at a Burnley inquest, East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor said: “Michael Raven suspended himself in his bedroom using a bicycle chain. There was no indication that he had ever considered ending his life.”

His parents Susan and Graham have also been at a loss to explain how Michael - who had been looking forward to a school trip to Austria - came to die.

After arriving home after school Michael, who had been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, was discovered in his bedroom, at the property in Longworth Avenue, Brunshaw, at around 5.20pm.

Paramedics were immediately alerted but he was pronounced dead later at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Speaking after the hearing David Whyte, headteacher at St Wilfrid’s CE High, said: “The tragic death of Michael affected the whole school community in more ways that any one of us could begin to describe.

“He loved St Wilfrid’s and grasped every opportunity he was given to shine and develop into an outstanding young man.

"Our thoughts and prayers continue to focus on Michael’s family both at this difficult time and in the future.

“The school community will continue to raise funds towards the two charities chosen by Michael’s family so that others can benefit in the future.”

Education officials have confirmed there had been no bullying concerns immediately prior to Michael’s death - issues had arisen previously which were said to have been satisfactorily addressed with the youngsters involved and their parents.

Online speculation that bullying had affected the student prior to his death was condemned at the time by the school as ‘particularly unhelpful’.