INVESTIGATORS are expected to examine Facebook messages left on the computer of a teenage boy who was found hanged in his father’s home.

Macaulay Freeman, aged 17, was discovered by his father David Brownbill at an address on Cotswold Grove in Parr in the early hours of Monday (January 19).

His death came just weeks after an incident in Haydock on New Year’s Eve in which another boy suffered a slash mark on the face.

It appears Macaulay, also known by the surname Brownbill, had faced allegations on social media about the incident, and it is believed some of the online remarks about him were hostile.

St Helens Coroner Christopher Sumner briefly opened and adjourned an inquest into his death on Monday where it was confirmed officers had taken his laptop for examination.

They are expected to study social media as they attempt to establish the circumstances leading up to and surrounding his death, which police are not treating as suspicious.

A spokeswoman for the coroner’s office said: “Merseyside Police were called and having searched the premises they found a laptop computer belonging to Mr Freeman on which he had written messages on Facebook.

“Police are not treating his death as suspicious.”

She added that the post-mortem was carried out on Tuesday (January 21) by Dr Barker and the results are pending.

Social media was flooded with messages about the tragedy, which has shocked youngsters in the Haydock and Parr communities, where the former Blackbrook Royals rugby player was known.

However many used Facebook to speak of their shock and sadness.

One wrote: “Think everyone was shocked today but it’s made me realise how much my mates actually mean to me. Would never want to loose em. Couldn't imagine life without them.”

Another added: “Maybe after today people might actually realise that, fighting/bullying/massive arguments aren’t worth it. Everyone has their arguments and disagreements and stuff but be grateful for what you have, you never know what’s around the corner.”

A friend wrote: “Still can't believe your gone Mac were all grieving for you everybody misses you just wish you'd knock on my door.”

Merseyside Police said that because the matter is now in the coroner’s hands the force could not comment on the alleged incident in Haydock on New Year’s Eve.

A preliminary date for the inquest has been fixed for April.

 


 

FRIENDS are planning a special event in memory of Macaulay at King George V playing fields in Haydock this Saturday at noon when they plan to release several lanterns.