A boy of seven has hanged himself while playing with a necktie.

The tragedy happened at the weekend at a house in Kenilworth Close, Bevendean, Brighton.

Billy Kirby's family found him hanging from a bed post on Saturday.

Paramedics tried to resuscitate him but there was no response.

A 999 call was made to the Sussex 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 restart the boy's breathing.

An ambulance crew arrived one minute later to assist with attempts to revive the boy.

A third crew continued heart massage and artificial respiration as he was rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, where he was pronounced dead.

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 boy's family."

Brighton police were investigating the death but a spokeswoman stressed there were no suspicious circumstances. She said: "This was a dreadful and tragic death and we have sent our condolences to the boy's family."

A post-mortem was being carried out today and an inquest will be held.

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

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