A Bury teenager died after being found unresponsive by his mother in a woodland near his home.

An inquest into the death of Harley Whittle opened at Rochdale Coroner's Court this morning, Tuesday.

The court heard he went out with friends on Friday, July 8 this year.

But the St Gabriel's RC High School pupil did not return to his home on Valley View in Bury.

His mother went to look for him at 10.30pm and made use of tracking software.

The 15-year-old was found in a woodland area near his home in an unresponsive state.

An ambulance was called and he was taken to Fairfield General Hospital.

He died that day and his body was identified by his mother the following day.

The court heard police found no suspicious circumstances into the death.

Coroner Michael Salt said: “There is a need for an inquest.

“It is a tragic death of a 15-year-old boy.”

He fixed the full inquest for November 15 and said there will be reviews prior to that date.

In the aftermath of the death the school sent a letter to parents on Monday last week informing them of the tragedy and offering support for pupils.

The letter stated: "It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden unexpected loss of one of our St Gabriel's family.

"Some of your children may have been in this student's friendship circle.

“Please be reassured that we are supporting their family."

It added: “If you feel your child has been affected by this loss, please contact us to let us know so we can offer both counselling support now and emotional support over time.

“We pray for the family of our student, as, we are sure, will you at this devastating time

“Eternal rest grant unto them oh Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them, May they rest in peace.”

In a tribute last week, Chris Foley, catholic senior executive leader for the St Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Academy Trust said: “On Friday evening (July 8) a pupil from St Gabriel’s unexpectedly passed away. The school and wider community, are all devastated by this loss.

“Over the coming days and weeks, our priority is to come together as a community so that we can start to grieve and heal after this tragedy.

"We will, of course, also be offering any support we can to the family and the pupils within our schools.

“When the time is right, our community will find suitable ways to commemorate this life. We will feel this loss more keenly as each day passes, so we ask for privacy, compassion and prayers over the coming weeks.”

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