A 12-YEAR-old boy died after being found collapsed near woodland in Bury St Edmunds.

A 12-YEAR-old boy died after collapsing while playing with a friend yesterday.

The youngster was found near woodland at the corner of Appledown Drive and Bramley Close, in Bury St Edmunds, at about 3.30pm.

A neighbour said the boy, who lives locally, had been playing with a friend around a nearby basketball court when he went missing yesterday afternoon.

“He was playing with a friend of his, running around, then he went missing,” she said. “So the boy went back and retraced his steps.”

Residents near the scene, in a quiet area of the Moreton Hall estate, said the boy had been found by youngsters who had then called for help.

Paramedics were called by a passer-by who said the boy was not conscious or breathing and seemed hot.

A man reportedly battled to revive the youngster, giving him mouth-to-mouth resuscitation until ambulance crews arrived.

The young casualty was taken to West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury, where he later died. Police cordoned the area off yesterday while an initial investigation was started.

A police helicopter was also launched but there were not thought to be any suspicious circumstances surrounding the event.

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said the boy’s family were being informed and the death would be referred to the coroner.

Anyone with any information can contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500.