Boy dies after discus blow

The accident happened during a PE lesson at the school

A teenager who was hit in the back by a discus at a school in Manchester has died.

Steven Commey, 14, was hit during a PE lesson at Barlow Roman Catholic High School on Wednesday.

The teenager from Northern Moor, Manchester, was knocked unconscious and suffered a heart attack before paramedics could reach him. He died later in hospital.

Manchester City Council and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have started an investigation.

A spokesman for Steven's family said: "Steven was a lovely lad, he was well liked by everybody and he excelled at everything he did."

Education chiefs in Manchester said they were "extremely shocked and saddened" by the tragedy.

Steven was a popular boy, with lots of friends, and an excellent athlete

Headteacher James Taylor

Steven's headteacher James Taylor spoke of how the teenager was a popular boy and an excellent athlete.

Mick Waters, Manchester's chief education officer, extended his "deepest sympathies" to Steven's family.

"I went to the school on Thursday and spoke directly with the headteacher and staff members," he said.

"So I know what they and the school are also all going through at this very difficult time.

"We are staying in close contact with the school and are doing everything we can to help support the school community.

"I have no doubt that the professionalism of Mr Taylor and his senior management team and other staff will help the school through this difficult time."

Special assemblies

Mr Taylor said the incident was a "terrible tragedy".

"Our prayers and our deepest sympathies are with Steven's family," he said.

"Steven was a popular boy, with lots of friends, and an excellent athlete who represented the school on many occasions.

"He will be very much missed by staff who taught him and by the many pupils who knew and liked him."

Special assemblies, led by the Bishop of Salford, are being held at the school.

Mr Taylor said he did not want to comment in detail on the accident, because of the ongoing HSE investigation.