THE family of a football-mad 16-year-old York school boy found dead at his home have been left too distressed for words.

Easingwold School student Oliver James Lea, who played football for New Earswick under-16s, was found hanging in the bedroom of his home at Skelton on Wednesday.

His grief-stricken family said when contacted by the Evening Press that they were still trying to come to terms with the tragedy and did not want to speak, other than to say that Oliver was obsessed by football and music and was in the process of putting a band together.

Oliver's head teacher, Carey Chidwick, paid a touching tribute and said his death had "stunned and shocked" the community at her school.

Mrs Chidwick said pupils and staff at the school were still coming to terms with Oliver's tragic death.

She said: "All our thoughts and prayers are with Oliver's family and friends at this distressing time. As a school community, we are all stunned and shocked by Oliver's death - the school is a poorer place without his lively personality."

She described Oliver as a "bright and chirpy boy" who had celebrated his 16th birthday with a massive party last weekend with pupils from the school. Mrs Chidwick said it was a very distressing time for everyone who knew Oliver.

All pupils at the school have been told of Oliver's death and counsellors were at the school helping pupils cope with their grief.

Coun Irene Waudby, Skelton ward member on City of York that, although she did not know Oliver personally, she was "shocked and saddened" to hear of his death.

Coun Waudby said: "It's such a shocking thing to happen for parents to lose a child and at that age it must be absolutely devastating - my heart goes out to the family.

"I'm a parent and grandparent myself and to lose a child, especially under those circumstances, must be dreadful."

The police, who are investigating Oliver's death, have said there are no suspicious circumstances.

An inquest was expected to be opened and adjourned by the York coroner today.

Updated: 14:49 Friday, November 19, 2004