A young boy has died in hospital following what is believed to have been a tragic accident at his home in Shrewsbury.

Alex Titley, who is thought to be 12, was taken to hospital by ambulance shortly before 5pm yesterday, but later died. Shrewsbury police have launched an investigation into the incident, which took place at a home in the Cross Hill area of the town, near Ellesmere Road.

However, the force today said nobody else was being sought in connection with his death.

Special assemblies were held today at the Grange School in Harlescott, where Alex was a “popular” pupil.

Maria Hawkaluk, a spokeswoman for West Mercia Police, said Alex’s death was currently being treated as unexplained.

“Police are investigating after a boy died following an incident at his home in Shrewsbury. Police were called to the address at about 4.40pm yesterday,” she added.

“The boy, believed to be around 12 years old, was taken to hospital by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

“His death is being treated as unexplained and the coroner for mid and north Shropshire, Mr John Ellery, has been informed.”

Julia Thomas, headteacher at The Grange School in Harlescott, paid tribute to Alex.

She said: “Fellow pupils and staff at the Grange School visual and performing arts college are deeply saddened by the news of Alex’s death.

“We are a close-knit community school and as a mark of respect to a popular member of our community we have held special assemblies where our thoughts and prayers are with the family.” 

Miss Hawkaluk said a report would be prepared for the coroner and that a full inquest would be heard in “due course”.

“At this stage, police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident,” she said.

A spokeswoman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We did attend an incident in the Cross Hill area of Shrewsbury where we treated a boy on scene for a medical emergency.

“That was at an address within the Cross Hill area. The boy was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital on alert.”

By Rhea Parsons and John Kirk