A DISTRAUGHT family has been left searching for answers after their perfect' 12-year-old son collapsed and died.

Today the parents of Niall Birtwell said that the death of the healthy, sport-loving youngster had left them in shock.

Niall fell ill with what he thought was a sickness bug but a few days later he collapsed in the arms of his parents, Andrew and Lauren, at his home in Tarn Avenue, Clayton-le-Moors.

He was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary but died the following day.

Lauren, 38, said: "He had been sick for a few days but we just thought it was a bug, then suddenly he collapsed. We have no idea what happened, it is such a shock."

Although Niall, the couple's only son, suffered from mild asthma he had no previous health problems and was a keen ice hockey player.

The pupil at St Christopher's High School, Accrington, was in training with the Blackburn Kestrels under-14 team and practiced four times a week at the Blackburn ice rink.

The popular youngster was also a regular at the All Saints Youth Club in Clayton-le-Moors, and played guitar.

Lauren added: "He was perfect, he was fun-loving and very tall he looked older than he was.

"It is a parent's worse nightmare but we had 12 top years. We have a lot of good memories.

"One of his passions was his music, he loved all different styles, from Eminem to the Beatles and the White Stripes."

A file on Niall has been passed to the coroner and it will now be left to an inquest to discover what happened to him. A post mortem examination is due to be held to detemine the cause of Niall's death, last Thursday.

St Christopher's School headteacher, Alasdair Coates, said Niall had made a real impact, even though he was only in his first year.

He said: "Niall was well liked by pupils and staff alike and the whole school is still in shock.

"We are yet to work out the details with his parents but there will be a permanent memorial to Niall in the school."

Niall's manager at the Blackburn Kestrels, Alan Amos, said everyone involved with the sport in the town has been left "gutted" by his death.

Mr Amos said: "Niall was such a hard worker and so enthusiastic. He always had a smile on his face and everyone who knew him is so upset."

Dad Andrew, 42, said: "It just doesn't feel real at the moment, we are just concentrating on getting everything organised for the funeral.

"I can't face opening the cards yet."

Niall's funeral takes place at 11am on Friday at the All Saint's Church in Church Street, Clayton-le-Moors, before he is cremated at Accrington Crematorium.

His coffin will be decorated with guitars and drums to reflect his love of music.