A TEENAGER has died after being found collapsed in a suspected gas sniffing den.

James Edward Mather, 14, of Melbourne Street, Oswaldtwistle, was found slumped in the hideaway by a friend, who dragged him 50 yards to an old people's home in a bid to raise the alarm.

He was taken to Blackburn Infirmary after being found at 5.15pm yesterday but died later.

A butane gas canister was discovered on the wasteland near where he was found.

Police said that James had gone to a youngsters' den on wasteland at the junction of John Street and Merlin Drive, Oswaldtwistle, at teatime with two friends.

The friends left James to go to a shop and when one returned he found James had collapsed.

The friend dragged James to a nearby old people's home and shouted for help, but police and paramedics were unable to resuscitate the teenager.

Detective Inspector Steve Ashley confirmed a butane gas canister had been recovered at the scene and they were making inquiries to try and confirm whether James had been sniffing from it and where the gas came from.

He said: "Police will be interviewing several children today, but no-one else is being sought in connection with James' death. "

A post-mortem examination was being carried out today.

James was the only son of Arthur and Betty Mather, both 53, and was a pupil at Moorhead High School, Accrington.

His father said today they were shocked by what had happened but were too upset to talk.

Neighbours said he was a nice lad "who had fallen in with the wrong crowd."

One, who worked in a nearby dentist, added: "James was due to come in for a filling today. I have to go to work now, cross his name off and put deceased. It's terrible."

The scene was taped off and was guarded by police.

Residents living opposite said they had often complained to police and the council about the gangs of youths that would congregate there.

One said: "We are always telling them about the kids there, girls and boys.

"In the summer they are on the grass right outside the houses and some people are scared to go out.

"It's so sad that it had to come to this."

A resident at Merlin Court, where James' body was taken, said: "I saw the police and what I thought was a body on the doorstep.

"The ambulance came then and tried to revive him. Somebody said his friend had carried the boy on his shoulders and left him here. It's awful."

Mr Ashley added: "We have received several complaints in the past about youth nuisance on the wasteland but none was to do with sniffing."

Police appealed for witnesses to contact them on 01254 353741.

Joan Hayselden, deputy headteacher at Moorhead High, said: "James transferred to us a year ago from Rhyddings High School in Oswaldtwistle and we were extremely distressed to hear this very sad news."