Boy, 13, found hanged at Sheffield house

Ritchie Allsop was found unconscious in the maisonette he shared with his mother and family last Friday.

A South Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said: “Police can confirm that a 13-year-old boy has died after he was found unconscious at his home in the High Green area of the city.

“The 13-year-old was rushed to hospital but sadly he was pronounced dead a short time later.

“Police are not treating his death as suspicious. A post-mortem will be held to determine the cause of death.”

Police would not comment on reports he was found hanged.

An inquest is expected to be opened and adjourned.

Tributes have been left on the youngster’s Facebook site.

One said: “Another day passes and Ritchard Allsop still not here, dearly loved and missed little man, fly safely.”

Another tribute said: “R.I.P Ritchie, you will be missed and loved by friends, family, and fellow holgaters.”

One tribute added: “RIP. So so sad, a complete waste of a handsome, obviously popular young boy, so much to live for he jus didn’t know it!”

Ritchie was a pupil at Ecclesfield School. Headteacher Rob Rossides said: “Richard Allsop joined Year 9 at Ecclesfield as recently as last November after transferring from elsewhere in South Yorkshire.

“His classmates, form tutor and head of year report him as being a very pleasant, cheerful and polite student who appeared to have settled in quickly and well at the school.

“I am sure that I speak for everyone at the school when I say that we are all shocked and saddened by the news of Richard’s death and send our deepest condolences to his family.

“We will be considering appropriate ways to remember Richard at school as I know he will be missed greatly by his friends here.”

It was reported Ritchie’s mother Lisa Brown, 39, is a part-time supervisor at The Barrel pub opposite her maisonette.

A spokesman for the Barrel told the Sheffield Star: “Our deepest sympathy goes to Ritchie’s family at this very sad time. We will look to provide any appropriate support.”