A schoolboy shot himself in the head hours after being spoken to by police about text messages with a girl, an inquest heard.

The hearing yesterday found Charlie Booth, 16, took his own life with a shotgun.

Gad's Hill pupil Charlie was found dead at his home on Watling Street, Cobham, by his parents on March 8.

He lived with his father Nicholas, 52, mother Julia, 48, and 12-year-old sister Harriet.

Hours before his death, police had been called to the house about the text messages and officers gave "words of advice".

At about 10.30pm, his parents heard a loud bang from upstairs. They found him on the floor in the corridor.

Police and ambulance crews were called immediately but Charlie was pronounced dead at the scene.

Coroner Roger Hatch said he had no alternative than to record a verdict of suicide.

Charlie was a keen member of the Gad's Hill Combined Cadet Force at Gad's Hill School.

He also represented the school at cross-country, rugby and hockey and previously played for Gravesend Rugby Football Club and had a keen interest in cricket.

"Charlie was one in a million, very popular and well-liked, and was quite simply our beautiful boy..." - family tribute

Fellow pupils, family and friends attended a celebration of his life at the Higham school a few weeks following his death.

At the end of the service, 61 white balloons – each with messages from every member of his year – were released.

In a tribute released at the time, his family said: "He was a very loving boy that had a very supportive family, not just his parents, but his aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents.

"He thought the world of them and we all thought the world of him.

"He enjoyed school life, loved outdoor pursuits and he fully embraced the country lifestyle.

"Charlie was one in a million, very popular and well-liked, and was quite simply our beautiful boy."

After the shock death, Gad's Hill School headmaster David Craggs said pupils and staff were "united in grief" by the tragedy.

Mr Craggs said: "Charlie was a remarkable young man, who had such a bright future ahead of him.

"Our first thoughts are for Charlie's family and I can say with confidence that they have the heartfelt support and condolences of the whole Gad’s Hill community."