Police investigate claims 11-year-old boy killed himself after being beaten up at school

'The school is united in its grief at this sad time,' says the boy's school in a statement

Beckfoot Upper Heaton where Asad had started going to school (Google Maps)

Police are investigating claims an 11-year-old boy killed himself hours after being beaten up.

Asad Khan died shortly after being found unresponsive at his home in Tile Street, Bradford in West Yorkshire, police have confirmed.

Family members claim the year 7 student had been struggling with bullies during the three weeks he had attended Beckfoot Upper Heaton after leaving primary school in the summer.

Former Bradford City Councillor Ishtiaq Ahmed told reporters: "He came across as a very confident young man so he must have been experiencing real issues at school for him to take the action that he did.

"Family members tell me he told his mum he was having problems at school before he took his own life. The whole community - the whole city - is in shock."

Mr Ahmed says the Government needs to introduce "more robust" bullying policies that take affect at the local level.

Bradford West Labour MP Naz Shah said bullying was "something that has been mentioned" after she visited Asad's parents at their home.

"The family are absolutely distraught and absolutely devastated," she said.

"One of the people that was there - an aunt - mentioned the word bullying. We don't know whether it was bullying. We don't know whether it was an accident. We do know he has taken his own life.

"Whilst we are still trying to establish the facts, it's clear that a conversation has to be had whether children going from the sanctuary of primary school to a big school have enough pastoral care."

A statement on the school's website said: "It is with great sadness that we learnt last night of the death of Asad Khan, one of the school's newest students.

"The school is united in its grief at this sad time.

"The school community is working together as students, parents and staff come to terms with these events. All our thoughts are with Asad's family at this terribly difficult time."

West Yorkshire Police said inquiries were continuing, but the youngster's death was not thought to be suspicious.