Inquiry as boy, 15, found hanged

Liam McManus had not been identified as being at risk

An investigation has been opened into the death of a 15-year-old boy from St Helens who was found hanged in his cell at a youth offenders institute.

The Prison and Probation Ombudsman began an inquiry into the death of Liam McManus, whose body was discovered at Lancaster Farms, Lancashire.

But the Prison Reform Trust said the boy's death raises questions about the use of custody for children.

He served half of a six week sentence for breaching a supervision order.

It is deeply shocking that a 15-year-old boy felt so utterly desperate he was found hanged in his cell Deborah Coles, Inquest

The teenager, who died on Thursday, was the 30th child to die in custody in England and Wales since 1990.

Deborah Coles, co-director of Inquest, an organisation which helps families of youngsters who die in custody, said: "It is absolutely desperate. It is deeply shocking that a 15-year-old boy felt so utterly desperate he was found hanged in his cell while in the care of the prison service."

It is believed the teenager was given a single cell to live in because he had not been identified as at risk of self harm.

Ms Coles added: "It raises very fundamental questions about the fact that this country imprisons more children than any other industrial demographic country in the world.

"My desperation with this case is that deaths like this happen too frequently."

The Prison Service said its deepest sympathies were with Liam's family.

A post mortem examination is due to be carried out.