Elliot Brian Ashton, of Westminster Drive in Leigh, was reported missing on June 24 of this year, and police launched a search.

An inquest into his death was held on October 29 at Bolton Coroner's Court, and a statement was provided by his family.

Assistant coroner Bronia Hartley said: "I think it's important to reflect that you conclude the statement provided by saying that Elliot was deeply loved by his family and that he will be very much missed".

Louise Tyldesley, Elliot's partner, said that after "professionals" became involved with their son in March, their relationship had "deteriorated".

She said that on the day of his disappearance, he had "attended the child contact centre" and "there was to be a meeting with a social worker".

The inquest was held at Bolton Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)

She described "Elliot becoming very upset at the situation and that culminating in him having to be asked to leave the meeting".

He left his phone behind, and when Louise returned hom,e he wasn't there, "causing her to become concerned".

At 4.13pm, Elliot messaged her to tell her where the keys were and added: "I love you so much".

DI Lisa Godwin-Sumner said Elliot was categorised as a "high risk" missing person.

The officer searching originally thought Elliot was heading in the direction of a bus stop as he had left with his bus pass.

But after contacting the Bee Network they said that no pass with his name had been used.

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The officer then "decided to conduct an area search of the nearby woodland" where he found a "track for off-road bikes".

He followed them as he had been told that Elliot used to go biking there, and found him at 10.22am.

Ms Hartley said that Elliot had a history of what she described as "emotional dysregulation" dating back to childhood.

She added: "That emotional dysregulation was exacerbated by life stresses or events."

Before his disappearance, she said that he had a "challenging meeting with professionals" earlier that day.

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Ms Hartley found the medical cause of his death to be suicide and described a note found in his pocket as a "final message".

She said to his family: "I leave you with my sincerest condolences for your loss."

Speaking after the inquest, relatives said he was "very loved" and will be "very much missed by his family".

If you are struggling, help is available.

You can call Samaritans for free on 116 123, email [email protected], or visit www.samaritans.org to find out how to get support.

If you are under 35 and struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can contact Papyrus HopelineUK on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967, or visit www.papyrus-uk.org.

For mental health support, you can also contact Mind by calling 0300 123 3393 or visiting www.mind.org.uk.