Tragedy of Mick Hucknall's cousin, 10

The mother of a ten-year-old cousin of Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall found hanged in his bedroom last night said he was a "loving, adventurous boy".

Harry Hucknall was discovered at the family home in Dalton-in-Furness, Cumbria, on Sunday night.

Ambulance crews were called to the address but, despite the efforts of family members and paramedics, the youngster was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.

Police have launched an investigation into his death and the coroner has been informed.

In a statement released through Cumbria Police, Harry's mother Jane White paid tribute to him.

She said: "On Sunday, under tragic circumstances, we lost our beloved son Harry James. Words cannot describe the pain we are going through. Harry was a loving, energetic, adventurous boy.

"We will miss you and love you always."

A spokeswoman for Mick Hucknall's management said yesterday: "Mick will be shocked and saddened by this terrible news, as we all are. Our thoughts are with Harry's family."

Ms White became concerned when the youngster locked himself in his room. She asked neighbours for help and they made the grim discovery after putting a ladder at the window.

One of the neighbours, Linda Halton, said Harry's mother had told her previously that he had been the victim of bullying.