A SPORTS-mad youngster who died suddenly at home was suffering from an infection in his intestines, tests have revealed.

Popular ice hockey player Niall Birtwell, 12, died two weeks ago after a short illness.

His parents, Andrew and Lauren, had been left searching for answers after their previously healthy son died at home in Tarn Avenue, Clayton-le-Moors.

But they have now been told that he was killed by peritonitis.

A file on Niall's death had been passed to the East Lancashire Coroner, but there will not be an inquest as the death is classed as from natural causes.

Peritonitis is an inflammation to part of the intestine and is life-threatening unless treated immediately.

Niall first became ill the previous Sunday, complaining of shooting stomach pains, but mum Lauren said his symptoms did not appear serious.

Lauren, 38, said: "We just thought he had a bug. He was not in agony and, although he was feeling unwell, he was still laughing and joking with us. It is such a shock."

Niall was a pupil at St Christopher's High School, Accrington, and an enthusiastic member of the Blackburn Kestrels ice hockey team, which trained at Blackburn ice arena.

Last week at his funeral at All Saints, Clayton-le-Moors, members of the senior ice hockey side carried his coffin into the church.

Peritonitis can be caused in a number of ways, and his parents are waiting for a full report by experts at Pendlebury Children's Hospital before they discover what caused the illness.

The infection can see a tear appear in the intestine and bodily fluid spread to the internal organs. Unless peritonitis is treated early, complications can happen quickly, and it is often fatal.

At the time of his illness Lauren said that she was concerned her son may have had appendicitis and contacted NHS Direct. Tests on Niall have revealed there was no problem with his appendix.