The parents of a schoolboy who died after being found hanging at his Dudley home said today he was the victim of a prank which went wrong.

Michael Turner’s parents dismissed rumours that he was being bullied at school.

Michael, aged 10, died at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, seven hours after paramedics were called when he was found hanging at the family home in Laurel Road, Wrens Nest.

He was in his final year at Priory Primary School and had been involved with St Francis’ Church, Dudley, since a baby, was a member of the junior youth club run by his parents and often read prayers.

The vicar, the Rev Geoff Johnston, said today that Michael’s organs would be donated at his request and the wishes of his parents.

A statement by his parents Sue and Steve Turner said: “This is nothing to do with bullying at the school. This was simply a prank that went tragically wrong.”