Grieving boy, eight, found hanged

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Joshua Aldred used his school tie to hang himself in his bedroom at home in Lytham St Annes yesterday, a Lancashire Police spokesman said.

Joshua was found unconscious by his grandmother, with whom he lived, on Thursday. He was taken to Blackpool Victoria Hospital but attempts to resuscitate him failed.

His father Jason Aldred paid tribute to his "beautiful" son.

He said Joshua had faced the double tragedy of losing his mother, Sarah, to breast cancer three months ago, and his grandfather John, to prostate cancer, in July last year.

Mr Aldred said: "Outwardly this loving and happy child, who had a great network of family and friends to support him, coped admirably.

"He missed his mother and spoke of her often. Our very close relationship was of immense support to both of us. A tragic accident at home occurred when Joshua's sadness at the loss he had experienced at such a young age has resulted in this tragedy.

"The family are sure he expected to only injure himself slightly and are devastated that this cry for attention resulted in the loss of such a beautiful boy."

Joshua attended the independent King Edward VII and Queen Mary School in Lytham St Annes.

A Lancashire Police spokesman said: "The coroner has been informed and a post mortem examination will take place later today."