A TEENAGER has been found hanged inside a market hall where he worked as a trader.

Damon Dean, 18, of Reedley Drive, Nelson, was found hanging from a joist in the market hall in Leeds Road, Nelson, at 8am on Wednesday.

He was pronounced dead at the scene before traders arrived for work.

The market was closed after the discovery.

Traders said Mr Dean, who had been reported missing by his family on Tuesday, ran a men's clothing stall in the market hall.

Yesterday, the stall was closed with three bouquets laid outside with messages of condolence attached.

Colleagues have told of their shock at his death.

A trader, who declined to be named, said: "We all knew him and it's all so sad.

"He ran a menswear stall and his dad worked on the stall opposite. He was a lovely lad with a smiling face and we will all miss him."

Another stallholder, who also declined to be named, said: "It's so sad what happened.

"We are all shocked to hear about it.

"His father ran the stall across from him and it's closed with flowers outside it."

A police spokesperson said: "An 18-year-old man was reported missing to us on Tuesday but there was no immediate concern for his welfare.

"At 8am on Wednesday at Nelson indoor market the 18-year-old man was found hanging from a joist.

"Foul play has been eliminated and the incident is not being treated as suspicious.

"Inquiries are progressing to establish the background to the incident."

Philip Mousdale, executive director for community engagements at Pendle Council, said: "Pendle Borough Council's Admiral's Market Hall in Nelson town centre was closed on Wednesday due to the discovery of a body within one of the retail units.

"Nelson police are currently investigating the death and until they release further details it would be insensitive of the council to make any further comment."