The parents of a seven-year-old boy found hanged after a tragic accident spoke today of their heartbreaking loss.

Billy Kirby, who hanged himself from a bedpost while playing with a tie, was found by his family.

His parents, John and Tanya, said: "Billy was our baby. The loss of our son has caused a great void in our hearts and the hearts of his brothers and sister.

"Billy was a lovely, gentle child who brought happiness and fun to all the people he met.

"We would like to ask that we be left alone and given the privacy to mourn the death of our most beautiful son."

Detective Inspector Ian Pollard, of Brighton CID, said: "This was a tragic accident and our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.

"I would like to take this opportunity to reinforce the family's request for privacy."

Paramedics tried to resuscitate Billy at his home in Kenilworth Close, Bevendean, Brighton, on Saturday. He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, where he was pronounced dead.

A 999 call was made to the ambulance service shortly after 3pm. Operators gave the boy's family advice and instructions on resuscitation.

A paramedic car was at the scene within five minutes and the crew made strenuous efforts to start the boy's breathing.

A second ambulance crew arrived a minute later and helped with attempts to revive the boy.

A third crew was called in and they continued heart massage and artificial respiration as the child was rushed to hospital.

A spokeswoman for the service said: "Every possible effort was made but, sadly, to no avail.

"Our crews have been deeply affected by the tragedy and our thoughts are with the family."

Brighton police stressed there were no suspicious circumstances.

A spokeswoman said: "This was a dreadful accident and we have sent our condolences to the boy's family."

A post-mortem was being carried out yesterday and the investigation has now been handed to coroner's officers. An inquest will be held.

Billy's family were being comforted by friends and relatives.

Claire Baldry, headteacher at Bevendean Primary School where Billy attended, said: "Billy was a hard working, very creative, well behaved little boy and we are all terribly upset by what has happened."