Schoolboy, 12, found hanged after he was 'bullied by girl gang for being autistic'

Michael Raven was found in his bedroom in Blackburn, Lancashire at around 5.30pm on Monday

A 12-year-old boy found hanged at his home was being bullied by a gang of girls, it has been claimed.

Michael Raven, believed to have been autistic, was found in his bedroom in Burnley, Lancashire at around 5.30pm on Monday.

The boy, a pupil at St Wilfrid's Church of England Academy in Blackburn, was taken by ambulance to the Royal Blackburn Hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.

This week Facebook groups have emerged paying tribute to the school boy but also claiming he was being teased by girls. The school has denied the claim.



One woman, who said her daughter had been bullied at the school, said: 'She told me Michael was being picked on by a group of girls from year 8. It sounds like the teased him about his autism', according to The Sun.

Megan Brandon said: 'Bullies of St.Wilfrids C.O.E should feel ashamed 13years old 2nd year and taken his own life R.I.P Michael Raven never forgotten loved always



Megan O'Rourke wrote: 'Rip Michael Raven. Wish you didn't feel that way,& remembered that everyone loved you.. I didnt know you but I know your going to be missed X'

Another friend called Sammie posted: 'R.I.P. Michael Raven - a twelve year old boy who hung himself due to bullying. Nobody should be able to go through that.'

Jay Deaton said: 'HATE BULLIES. Rest in peace Michael Raven, you beautiful angel xxxxxxxxxx.'

And AnyaJB1 said: 'Makes me sick how people can bully someone until they kill themself.. :@ rest in peace michael raven! - he was only 12 years young'.

The school broke the news to pupils about the tragedy in a special assembly.



Bullied? Facebook groups have emerged paying tribute to the school boy but also claiming he was being teased by girls. The school has denied the claim

David Whyte, principal of the school, said staff were not made aware of any bullying concerns.

He said: 'The school is aware of the rumours and accusations being made on social networks and have already started an investigation.



'We can confirm that the school was not made aware of any bullying concerns in relation to Michael.



'Had we been informed of any concerns we would have followed appropriate school procedure and acted accordingly. Any accusations of bullying are taken extremely seriously by this school.



'I would like to make it clear that it is particularly unhelpful and inappropriate for anyone to speculate and circulate unfounded rumours. Police are investigating as part of their enquiries.



'There is nothing at this stage to suggest bullying was a factor in Michael's sad death.'

Paying tribute to the pupil, he said: 'We are extremely saddened to be informed of Michael's tragic death.



'Michael was a positive, bright and bubbly pupil. He was an avid reader, enjoyed playing chess and took part in every single house activity here at school.



'He was doing really well in school and was looking forward to a European trip to Austria with 140 other pupils in January.



'We have said prayers and given support to pupils during the school day.



'We would like friends, family and extended family to know that Michael is very much at the forefront of our prayers and will be sadly missed.'



Councillor Maureen Bateson, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for children's services, said: 'We are extremely saddened to hear about the tragic death of such a bright, young man.



'Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to all his family, friends, teachers and all those who knew him at this sad time.'



A Lancashire Police spokesman said: 'The cause of this sudden death has not yet been confirmed but it is not being treated as suspicious.

'The boy has been named as Michael Raven.

'Police family liaison officers remain with the family who are understandably distraught.'