AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a teenager was found hanged at psychiatric unit in Bournemouth last week.

Henry David Vickery, who was 17, died on February 12 at Pebble Lodge in Alumhurst Road, Alum Chine.

An inquest into the circumstances of his death was opened and adjourned at Bournemouth town hall on Monday.

The court heard Mr Vickery, who lived in Gillingham, had been an inpatient at the mental health facility.

Staff checked on him at midnight on the day of his death.

At 1am, another check was carried out, but Mr Vickery wasn’t in bed.

He was found hanged in a bathroom by staff.

The facility is managed by Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust.

Colin Hicks, the director of mental health services at Dorset HealthCare, gave a statement to the Daily Echo after the inquest.

He said: “Henry’s unexpected and sudden death is a tragedy.

“This is a devastating loss for his family and friends and our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.

“Everyone who was involved in Henry’s care is deeply saddened by his death.

“An inquest has been opened and adjourned, and we have commissioned an independent expert investigation so that we can all understand the circumstances of Henry’s death.”

A full inquest is due to take place later this year.

In December, planning permission for a new £8 million children’s mental health facility at Pebble Lodge was refused.

Councillors described the application as “one of the most complex of the year”.

Had the project gone ahead, it would have increased capacity for children aged 12 to 18 facing “acute” mental illnesses in Dorset.