An 11-year-old boy died after a mobile phone lead got caught around his neck and strangled him, it emerged yesterday.

Callum Cooper was taken by ambulance from his home in Oakwell Close, Drighlington, West Yorkshire, to Dewsbury District Hospital in a critical condition on Tuesday last week.

Police were called to the hospital at around 7.30 p.m. that day and Callum died shortly after 1am the next day.

A West Yorkshire Police spokes-man said a post-mortem examination revealed Callum died as a result of asphyxiation.

His death is not being treated as suspicious but "inquiries are ongoing", the spokesman added.

Callum's family were too upset to talk about the youngster but tributes have flooded a page dedicated to him on the memorial website Gone Too Soon.

One tribute, left by Jade and family, read: "Callum was tragically taken away from his mum, stepdad and sisters and brother.

"Callum was a mischievous but very loveable little chap and had a smile to melt anyone's heart.

"He will be sadly missed by his family and friends who knew him.