Boy, 14, found hanged after being bullied on Facebook, inquest told

An inquest into the death of a boy found hanging in his bathroom heard claims that he had been bullied on Facebook.

Liam Hearne, 14, was discovered by his mother in the family home in Carshalton in October last year.

Croydon coroner's court heard that Liam got back from Glenthorne High School and said he was going for a shower.

As his mother went upstairs she heard a loud bang come from the bathroom and when the door was forced open, she found Liam hanging.

Emergency services were called while his brother Aaron tried to revive him. He was taken to St Helier hospital but died later.

Inspector Mathew Davis said: "An allegation was made by Aaron that there had been some form of bullying on Facebook.

"We seized mobile phones and computers which were sent off to forensic science services, but no substantial evidence of bullying was found."

Liam's friend, Hayley-Jade Martin, claimed he was being taunted by pupils from another school.

She wrote on the Gone too Soon memorial website: "Tragically, Liam hung himself because people from Carshalton High School For Boys decided it would be funny to bully him. They even told Liam if you dont kill yourself, then we will do it for you." Another friend, Amy Wolstencroft, wrote on a Facebook page: "What goes around comes around, and the people who led you to this will get what they deserve."

The court heard Glenthorne School headmaster Steve Hume described Liam as "a popular, bright and intelligent boy who never got into trouble and had a large group of friends".

Coroner Roy Palmer said: "I am not satisfied that he meant to kill himself. I do not have the evidence I need to see if it was an accident or a suicide, so it will be an open verdict."