Staff at the privately-run Hassockfield Centre in Medomsley, near Consett, discovered the body of Adam Rickwood in the early hours of Monday.

Attempts were made to revive him, but he was pronounced dead in hospital.

Durham Police are not treating the death as suspicious. The teenager, from Burnley, Lancashire, was on remand facing a charge of wounding.

'Shocked and saddened'

His mother has been informed of the death and was travelling to north-east England.

The private centre is run by Premier Training Services Ltd, part of Premier Custodial Group, based in Berkshire, on behalf of the Youth Justice Board.

Premier spokesman, Dave Hill, said staff at the centre were "saddened and shocked" by the death.

He said: "We have offered our condolences to the family and believe three investigations are under way.

"We are investigating the circumstances, as are the police and Youth Justice Board.

"We are all very sad and shocked by what has happened."

'Tragic death'

The youngster was one of 43 young people, aged between 14 and 17, living at the centre on remand or carrying out community service orders.

Ellie Roy, chief executive of the Youth Justice Board, said: "Adam had been on remand in Hassockfield STC for one month.

"In accordance with our serious incidents procedure an investigation will be launched immediately by the Board in co-operation with the Prison and Probation Ombudsman and the Commission for Social Care Inspection."

Mr Roy added: "I would like to offer my sincere sympathy to Adam's family. We will do everything we can to help ensure that the circumstances of his tragic death are made known and that any lessons that need to be learnt will be."