A LAD of eight hanged himself after his mum and grandad died of cancer inside eight months.

Joshua Aldred was rushed to hospital after his gran found him in his bedroom but he died an hour later.

Distraught dad Jason said yesterday: "It was a cry for attention."

Joshua was rocked by the prostate cancer death of grandad John last July.

When mum Sarah, 42, died of breast cancer in March he was devastated again. Jason, 41, said: "In his very short life Joshua had faced a double tragedy.

"His sadness at the loss at such a young age has resulted in this tragic accident. The family are sure he expected to only injure himself slightly and are devastated this cry for attention resulted in the loss of such a beautiful boy."

Jason who as Johns son has lost his dad, wife and son said: "Outwardly he coped admirably. He missed his mum and spoke of her often. Our very close relationship was of immense support to us both."

Joshua, of Lytham St Annes, Lancs, died in Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Thursday.

A spokesman at his school, King Edward VII and Queen Mary in Lytham, said: "Joshua was a delightful little eight-year- old. Hell be very sadly missed."

Police have yet to confirm the cause of death but say it is not thought to be suspicious.