Inquest into death of 'kind' Sutton-in-Ashfield boy who took his own life aged 12

An inquest has been opened into the death of a "kind and polite" 12-year-old Nottinghamshire boy after he took his own life. Riley Townsend, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, took his own life on September 1 following a battle with ADHD and autism.

The boy, who played football for Kirkby Colts FC and Terversal FC, had been struggling with his mental health "for a long time". Riley was a pupil at the Quarrydale Academy and was going to start the new school year at Ashfield Comprehensive School, in Sutton-in-Ashfield, on September 4.

An inquest was opened into Riley's death this afternoon (Wednesday, October 2), at Nottingham Council House. Coroner Sarah Wood confirmed a post-mortem examination has been carried out. However, the cause of death is "yet to be ascertained".

Ms Wood added that he died at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham and was identified by his parents, Abi Louise Townsend and Matthew Townsend. Coroner Wood said: "I certify that in accordance to my statutory duty, I have now opened an inquest touching on the death of Riley Ivan Townsend.

"This hearing now stands adjourned for completion of further inquires and will be resumed for a final hearing on a date yet to be fixed. It remains for me to pass my sincerest condolences to the family of Riley Ivan Townsend."

Following his death, the Autism Centre of Excellence has called for "urgent action from the Government to address the increased risk of suicide for autistic children". A Government spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with Riley’s family. Autistic people and those with a learning disability have been let down over the last decade.

"This Government will build a Ten-Year Plan to reform our health service and fix the broken system to ensure we give mental health the same attention and focus as physical health. We are committed to tackling suicide as one of the country’s biggest killers as well as recruiting additional 8,500 mental health workers who will be specially trained to support people at risk."

A fundraiser was launched following the boy's death, which raised £22,740.