AN inquest has recorded an open verdict after a school boy was found hanging from his bunk bed.

David Shreeve, who was 12, was found by his mother and sister at their home in London Road, Kelvedon.

They tried to save him and performed CPR. He was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, where he was treated for three weeks.

However, his condition deteriorated and he died on May 5 after developing a chest infection.

David was a pupil at Honywood Community Science School, in Coggeshall, and a member of Witham Dolphins Swimming Club.

Tributes were paid to him after his death and he was described as a delightful, enthusiastic and talented boy.

The inquest held yesterday in Chelmsford was attended by David’s parents and a representative from his school. Essex coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray recorded the cause of David’s death to be respiratory failure due to brain injury and recorded an open verdict. Mrs Beasley-Murray said: “This was a sudden, unexpected death.

“This must be absolutely dreadful and I would like to take this opportunity to express my sympathy over the death of David, who was obviously much loved.

“You won’t be surprised that I have considered suicide, but I would have to be sure that he intended to take his own life and I am not sure.”

Mrs Beasley-Murray recorded an open verdict.