A 15-YEAR-OLD Harper Green pupil has been found hanged near Clifton Country Park.

Emotional tributes have been paid to James Jones, who was found hanged in a wooded area near Kearsley on Monday.

James, who lived in Lawefield Crescent, Clifton, was a pupil at Harper Green School in Farnworth, where staff described him as “absolutely lovely” and a “polite young man”.

The year 11 pupil would have been preparing to sit his GCSE exams this summer.

James’ body was found on land near Ellen Grove, Kearlsey, at about 7.40pm on Monday.

Police have ruled out any foul play and said his death will be passed to the coroner.

Harper Green headteacher Andrew Foster said the teenager’s death has come as a shock — and that he had no problems at school.

Mr Foster said: “James was a well-behaved and polite young man who is described as ‘absolutely lovely’ by all his teachers and friends.

"He was a conscientious pupil with a keen interest in chess, which he played avidly with a close group of friends."

He added: “James will be greatly missed at Harper Green. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this very difficult time for them.”


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James was found by Rob Gordon, aged 36, of Corrie Drive, Clifton, who was out walking his dog on Monday evening.

He said: “I went to take the dog out for a walk at about 7.30pm.

“I went down to the woods and came across what I now know was James.

“I called my neighbour. I felt very shocked. It was surreal. At first I thought it was a dummy or something or kids having a laugh.

“When you first see something like that you think to yourself 'is it real? Is it not?'

“My son was very good friends with him.

“Every time I have seen James, he has come across as a fun, easygoing kid.

"He was always out with the other kids having a laugh and a joke like kids do.

“He was an outgoing kid like all the others — he never seemed to have any problems on his mind.”

The death has shocked his friends, who have posted tributes on Facebook.

Paul Jones wrote: “R.I.P James Jones you will be missed loads little bro.”

Aran O'Mahoney wrote: “R.i.P love you James you were the funniest out of the lot,” while Forhan Ahmed said: “James might gone from us but he still in our heart”.

The Bolton News:

Olivia Marriott added: “rip james you will be missed, I can't believe it."

A spokesman for Salford City Council said: “We understand police are preparing a file for the coroner. This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time.”

The Bolton News:

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “Police were called to an area near to Ellen Grove at around 7.40pm on Monday 28 April 2014.

“Officers arrived and discovered the body of a 15-year-old boy.

The Bolton News:

“There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.”

Bolton Council is now offering support to James family and pupils at Harper Green.

Margaret Asquith, the council's director of adult and children’s services, said: “We are extremely sorry to hear of this sad death and our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends.

"Children’s services’ specialist staff are working with the school and his family to ensure that appropriate support is available to anyone who knew him.”

James' family were too upset to speak to The Bolton News.

He is the second Bolton teenager to apparently hang themselves this month.

James' death follows that of 16-year-old Aleysha Rothwell, who died at her home in Breightmet on April 3.