R&R Life News

Merstham teenager dies from gunshot wound

5:05pm Monday 15th March 2010

A 14-year-old boy from Merstham has died from a gunshot wound.

Liam Nelson was found dead at his home in Brook Road late last Thursday afternoon.

Police were called to the house at about 5.50pm, after the body was discovered.

Detectives and forensics experts carried out an investigation at the scene.

A post mortem examination carried out at the Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, on Friday, gave the cause of the teenager's death as a single gunshot wound to the head.

Police said the firearm involved was a licensed weapon, and they were satisfied there was no risk to the wider public.

An inquest into the death was opened and adjourned today.

A police spokesman said an investigation on behalf of the coroner was ongoing.

Liam was a student at the 1002-pupil Warwick School in Noke Drive, Redhill.

His headteacher Ron Searle described him as “hugely popular and able.”

Mr Searle said: “His many friends and the entire school community have been obviously shocked.

“It's had a huge impact on the life of the school in the last few days.”

Mr Searle said the students and staff had been given access to counsellors, and there had been special assemblies held last Friday and today.

He refuted claims that Liam had been a victim of bullying.

“The students and his friends, as well as myself, have particularly refuted allegations that he was bullied,” he said.

“They are completely untrue.”

He said: “The overwhelming feeling amongst students is of great sorrow for his parents and his family.”

He said Liam, who was in Year Nine at the school, was a member of the Science and Space Clubs.

“He was very fond of history and very knowledgeable.

“Very recently, with a friend, he asked to deliver a history lesson on the Second World War, which he did very successfully.

“It testifies to his ability and his popularity that he was able to do so,” he said.

“I am told he wanted to become a pilot.”

Mr Searle said: “He had a lovely group of friends who are going to miss him very sorely, and we are supporting them as best we can at the moment.”

He added: “We've held special assemblies last Friday and today and there will be other measures taken to mark his passing.”

Friends and acquaintances this week left a stream of tributes to Liam on the Facebook website, as well as questioning whether he had committed suicide or had had a tragic accident.

Jamie Summers wrote: “Rest in Peace Liam. My thoughts go out to you and your family.”

Chris Kemp wrote: “Remembering Liam from cub camp a few years ago, a very chatty young man who always made us smile.

“A popular lad with everyone. Condolences to his friends and family.”

Chloë Freeman wrote: “Liam was obsessed with war. Bless him, r.i.p.”

Jemmer Mulligan wrote: “Recently, me and him had an argument/debate (nicely) about war and how I thought it was wrong and how he thought it was inevitable. “Whenever I saw him after that, I would say, 'Hello Liam, war is bad.'”

Ollie Albert Holtham wrote: “I don't have all the answers. I just wish this didn't happen. It's sad.”

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