Family of boy found dead in woods are ‘devastated’

Liam Collier, 15, was found at 8.30pm on Monday night in a wooded area off Millhouses Street, in Elsecar, Barnsley.

In the statement, released through South Yorkshire Police, his family said: “Liam was a ‘Jack the lad’, he worshipped his family, his mother, his brothers and his sisters.

“Liam was a good lad, he loved life and his mates. He will be sadly missed and we are devastated by our loss.”

Police have not confirmed the cause of the teenager’s death but tribute sites on the internet suggested he was found hanged.

It is understood the boy was struggling to come to terms with the loss of his mother, Deborah, who died in February this year.

An inquest into the death of the Wombwell High School pupil is set to be opened and adjourned in the next few days.