YOUNG college student Paul Eastham died of asphyxiation by hanging, a post-mortem examination has confirmed.

The body of the 21-year-old was found hanging from a tree in woodland a mile from his home four days after he went missing.

Paul, from St John's Road, Congleton, was depressed about his A-level results from Macclesfield College and his relationship with his girlfriend.

A letter arrived at his home 24 hours after he disappeared offering him a place at Manchester Metropolitan University to study for a HND in English and philosophy, which could have led to a degree course.

Paul vanished last Monday, and his body was eventually found in the Timbersbrook area by a team of mountain rescue experts at about lunchtime on Thursday.

A police spokesman said there were no suspicious circumstances about the death, and an inquest has been opened to formally identify the young student, before being adjourned.

"We had not given up hope of finding Paul safe and well on Wednesday, but unfortunately our search had a very sad outcome," said Inspector Paul Carroll.

The search for Paul involved police officers, sniffer dogs and the Cheshire police helicopter, and was stepped up 24 hours before the body of the young student was discovered.

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