A community was in mourning today after the body of a 14-year-old schoolboy was found hanging from a tree in a North Yorkshire lane.

Luke Harland, of Raskelf Road, Easingwold, was found dead in nearby Toft Ings Lane, but it is being stressed that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

An inquest into the death of Luke, who was an Easingwold School pupil, was opened today and adjourned until a date to be fixed.

The deputy coroner for North Yorkshire East, John Broadbridge, said that Luke was found hanging from a tree on Sunday after telling his parents he was going out for a run.

The cause of death was confirmed as asphyxia due to hanging.

North Yorkshire Police spokesman Tony Lidgate could only say that Luke was found in a lane in Easingwold.

He confirmed that no one was being sought in connection with the incident.

Carey Chidwick, headteacher of Easingwold School, said: "It is with great sadness that Easingwold School can confirm the tragic death of Luke.

"Everyone connected with the school - parents, governors, staff and above all the pupils - are still reeling from the shock of Luke's death.

"He was found dead near his home on Sunday after telling his family he was going out for a run.

"All our thoughts and sympathies are now with Luke's family and friends. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

"We know the family are devastated and wish to be left quietly to cope with their grief.

"Luke was very popular at school and well-liked by a large group of friends. As far as the school is aware, there is nothing in his past which could lead to this tragic course of events. The school is now co-operating fully with the formal police investigation."

Cynthia Welbourn, North Yorkshire's director of education, said: "These are distressing times for everyone connected with the school.

"The counselling service offered by the education directorate will be available to anyone at school who feels they need it as a result of this tragedy."

Updated: 14:13 Tuesday, January 30, 2001