A teenager from Keighley was found hanging in his cell only two weeks after being sentenced for theft.

Sixteen-year-old Mark Dade was discovered hanging from a door handle by his shoe laces at the Wetherby Young Offenders' Institution last Friday, an inquest heard.

An investigation into his death has now been started by the Prison Service.

Leeds Coroners' Court yesterday heard how the teenager had been sentenced to four months in youth custody on July 13.

On the afternoon of July 27, he was told to go back to his cell, which prison officers later noticed was surrounded by fellow inmates. Receiving no reply from his room, they discovered him hanging from the door handle at 7.30pm. He was taken to Harrogate District Hospital but died the following morning.

The family had not been aware of any problems while he was in custody, the inquest heard.

Adjourning the inquest pending further inquiries and toxicology reports, Deputy Coroner John Brodwell said: "Obviously the family will be very anxious that the matter is investigated, as it should be when someone dies whilst in custody."

A pathologist's report confirmed the cause of death was hanging.

A Home Office spokesman today said Mark had been serving a four months Detention and Training Order for theft and confirmed the Prison Service had already launched an internal investigation.

"Staff immediately attempted to resuscitate him and called the paramedics," he added. "He was taken to Harrogate District Hospital where he later died."