An "amazing" young man took his own life after losing money to scammers. An inquest heard how messages were found on the phone of 18-year-old Keiron Mullins Bunn which revealed he had fallen victim to a financial scam.

The budding mechanic was found dead in woodland last February after panicking when he realised his money had gone. An inquest at Middlesborough Town Hall heard how Keiron, from Eston, had been to work at McDonald's before leaving at around 11pm.

Assistant coroner Benjamin Haigh said one of his colleagues described Keiron as "funny" and "chatty" before his death. His family also had no indication that anything was wrong and they had not seen a noticeable change in his demeanour.

However, the Middlesborough College student sent a message to his friends to tell them how he had been feeling before being found dead in a woodland a short time later. The inquest was told how messages were found that showed Keiron had been scammed.

Mr Haigh said: "It is very poignant as to how these messages had made him feel."

His family said in an emotional statement: "An amazing young man, so caring, funny and kind. He loved the outdoors, mountain biking, watersports and walking the family's two dogs. Like any young man, he enjoyed a good night out, but never got into any trouble."

It was added that Keiron would always have a smile and a "hello" for everyone he met. Keiron also had a huge amount of respect for his elders and would also help care for his younger brother.

The devastated family added that Keiron loved cars and would spend his spare time at car meets or tinkering with his own car and his dream was to have his own garage business one day.

The assistant coroner recorded a verdict of suicide.