Thomas was interested in politics and attended anti-war rallies

Thomas Thompson died at his home in Wallasey, Merseyside, on Wednesday, after taking a fatal overdose of painkillers.

His mother, Sandra, found him shortly after 1900 BST and called an ambulance, but he died before reaching hospital.

The 33-year-old said her son had been bullied at Wallasey School for a number of years.

She said: "He was a good kid, a good laugh, but a bit different from other lads of his age.

"This was a cry for help. I have no words to describe the people who persecuted and taunted him other than I hate them.

[Thomas] didn't discuss concerns about bullying and there were no reports of bullying in the school Martin Pope, headteacher Wallasey School

"They can hang their heads in shame."

She said Thomas wanted to be a science teacher, was interested in politics and often attended anti-war rallies.

His uncle, Stuart Thompson, said: "Thomas was a very clever lad and he was picked on for that.

"It was a gang of other boys who tormented him. It really got him down.

"Thomas was not like the other boys because he was not into sport and would just concentrate on his school work."

Martin Pope, headteacher at Wallasey School, said he sympathised with the family but denied that Thomas was bullied by fellow pupils.

'Bullying at a bus stop'

He said: "The whole school community is deeply shocked and saddened to hear of Thomas' death.

"Thomas hadn't been with us very long but he will be very sadly missed.

He added Thomas had received help from pastoral staff and a learning mentor for poor attendance over the past few months.

He said: "He didn't discuss concerns about bullying and there were no reports of bullying in the school.

"There was some talk of bullying outside the school, at a bus stop, but Thomas said it did not involve pupils from this school."

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.

A special assembly was due to take place at Wallasey School on Thursday afternoon.