A DISTRAUGHT family has criticised the police and mental health specialists after the tragic death of their vulnerable teenage son.

Connor Green, who previously lived in Chapelford, was found dead in woodland in Halebank at 8.30pm on Monday – around 200 metres from his home in Widnes. 

An extensive police search involving sniffer dogs and air support had failed to find him after he disappeared at 3.30pm on Saturday.

A police officer found his body – 53 hours after he vanished.

Connor’s family is now calling for an explanation and believe the 19-year-old could still be alive if mental health experts had provided more support.

Grandad Ed Green feared his grandson’s life was at risk and wrote three times to the 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust pleading for urgent action.

The 64-year-old warned that the teenager was in danger of taking his own life.

“They have let this wonderful 19-year-old boy down badly,” said Mr Green.

“I predicted what would happen.

“Another young person with mental health issues has been let down once again.”

Connor’s parents Edward and Pauline, he said, had also urged the trust to help their son.

“His mum and dad were very very concerned,” said Mr Green.

Connor received one month’s assessment after struggling with his mental health, he said.
“He was released from that unit far too early,” said Mr Green.

“He should have had six months intensive care and he would still be alive.”

Connor – who previously lived on Vermont Close – was only a baby when Mr Green lost his wife Carol, 44, to stomach cancer 18 years ago.

“Connor was a fantastic kid,” he added.

“He was very intelligent and was a bright boy. He could have been an engineer or anything he put his hand to.

“The world was his oyster.”

Mr Green can’t understand why the police took so long to find Connor.

“The police did an extensive search yet he was found where he died 200 metres from his home. There are some very serious questions that need answers.”

A Cheshire Police spokesman said: “The circumstances of Connor’s disappearance were immediately assessed and the case was categorised as ‘high risk’ due to Connor’s circumstances.

“This meant that specially trained officers were allocated to work on the case including air support and a police dog team.

“We received further information on August 1 that led officers to an area of Foundry Lane where we undertook further searches.

“An officer discovered the body of a young man.

“As with all cases of this nature we will review the investigation.

“Connor’s family are being supported by specially trained officers.”

Gail Briers, chief nurse and executive director for clinical operational Services at 5 Boroughs Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is very sad news and our thoughts are with Connor's family and friends. 

"We understand the family's need for clarity around the circumstances which led to Connor's death and we will be cooperating with the coroner's investigation, as well as carrying out our own internal investigation.

"We will be contacting the family to offer our support at this difficult time."