[Benjamin]

11-year-old boy from Bristol found hanged in his back garden
By Emily Koch


AN 11-year-old boy reported missing was later found hanged in his back garden.

Tragedy struck in the quiet village of Pensford, near Whitchurch, when Matthew James disappeared.

A search was mounted after he went missing last Thursday but he was found shortly afterwards in the garden of his terraced family home in Hillcrest, near the George and Dragon pub.

It is not yet clear whether Matthew's death was the result of an accident.

Avon and Somerset Police are currently investigating the sudden death on behalf of the Avon coroner but it is believed that they are not treating the death as suspicious.

Yesterday Matthew's family were too distraught to talk about what had happened.

An inquest into his death was opened at Flax Bourton Coroner's Court yesterday.

The court heard that the youngster, who is believed to have an older sister, had been confirmed dead at about 8.45pm.

Pensford residents said the village had been shocked by the devastating news and described Matthew James as a "lovely, friendly lad who always had a smile on his face".

One neighbour said: "We can't believe what has happened, it's an absolute tragedy.

"He was a great kid, a lovely local lad. It's just so sad that this has happened.

Everyone is rallying around his family and we're doing everything we can.

"Matthew's dad went down to the pub one evening for a quiet drink and everyone was just going over, giving his shoulder a squeeze and saying they were so sorry. It's difficult to know what else to say."

The coroner said that the official cause of death was unascertained at the moment, pending expert reports.

After a brief hearing the inquest was adjourned until a later date to allow further inquiries into Matthew's death.

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