A popular and much loved school boy hanged himself after claims he had been bullied on Facebook, an inquest heard.

The court heard there had been allegations Liam Hearne had been victim of bullying on the social networking site.

Inspector Mathew Davis, of Sutton police, said they investigated the claims, seizing mobile phones and computers, but found no substantial evidence of bullying.

The 14-year-old, who lived in Green Close, Carshalton, was found by his mother in the family home on October 7 last year.

After returning home from Glenthorne High School, the court heard Liam had gone upstairs for a shower.

As his mum went upstairs, she heard a loud bang come from the bathroom. When the door was forced open, Liam was found hanging.

Emergency services were called while his brother Aaron started CPR. He was taken to St Helier hospital, but attempts to resuscitate him failed.

The court heard Glenthorne School headmaster Steve Hume described Liam as "a popular, bright and intelligent boy who never got into trouble and had a large group of friends".

Tributes from friends and family poured on to Facebook shortly after Liam’s death, describing the teenager as a "real character," who always smiled and made people laugh.

His brother Aaron wrote: "You will live on in the hearts of hose you made smile and those who loved you so much.

"Every day that goes by, every time I do something worth being proud I dedicate it to you my baby brother."

Recording the open verdict, Coroner Roy Palmer said: "I am not satisfied that he meant to kill himself.

"I do not have the evidence I need to see if it was an accident or a suicide, so it will be an open verdict."