Mum's grief over tragedy

The mother of a teenager who died at his Shrewsbury home today paid tribute to her son as a "much loved" young man who had many friends.

The family of 13-year-old Darian Francis has already had to cope with the loss of his brother Connor, who died four years ago when he was involved in a road accident aged just 11.

The boys' mother, Helen Hand, said the support the family had received from family and friends following Darian's death had been overwhelming.

Wakeman School pupil Darian was found at his home in Sutton Farm on Thursday. Police say the death is being treated as "unexplained" but they are not looking for anybody else in connection with the incident.

Loved

Mrs Hand today said: "Darian was a much loved young man and he had many friends at school and in the church youth group and Kidz Klub which he helped with.

"On Friday evening the church youth club wrote out their tributes to Darian and realising how his friends valued him so highly is a real comfort to us.

"The family has experienced tragedy before, such as the death of Darian's older brother, Connor, in a road traffic accident.

"We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received since Thursday from our family and our friends from Barnabas Church. It is their support that is helping us get through this."

Family friend Dave Matthias, from the church in Longden Coleham, where Darian was an active member, said the youngster often helped the younger churchgoers at the Kidz Klub.

Pupils at Wakeman School in Abbey Foregate were told of the tragedy on Friday. Leaders at the school described the teenager as being popular with staff and pupils alike and said he would be "greatly missed".

Darian's elder brother Connor died on November 30, 2004, after he was involved in an accident with a van on Wenlock Road in Shrewsbury.

Mr Matthias said messages could be sent to the church and would be passed on to the family.