BOLTON College staff have been left "shocked and deeply saddened" after the tragic death of a pupil.

The college confirmed that the body of a boy found in Thomasson Park, Halliwell, on Sunday was 17-year-old Ash Farkoosh.

Emergency services found the young man in the early hours of the morning but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

A spokesman for Bolton College said: "We can confirm Ash was a student at Bolton College. We have only just found out the news and are shocked and deeply saddened.

"We are providing appropriate support to students and staff and we’d like to pass on our condolences to Ash’s family and friends.”

The news of Mr Farkoosh's death was met with sadness across the community, with scores of people paying tribute to the teenager.

Facebook commenter Ellie Jayde, said: "RIP Ash you were such a caring and nice person, thank you for always being there for me, you will be missed by so many."

The congregation from nearby Bolton Brownlow Fold Church have organised to meet in the park to say prayers for the young man at around 3pm today.

In a post ahead of the event, a representative from the church said: "It's time that the darkness and pain are driven from this community.

"Let's pray for this young man's family, let's pray for God's light to shine brightly in this community."

Police said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.