MYSTERY surrounds the death of a foreign student whose body was found at his school shortly before the start of the day's lessons.

A police investigation was immediately launched into the death of the 16-year-old whom teachers at Bromsgrove School described as "an outstanding young man".

A post-mortem examination was due to be carried out last night and an inquest is expected to be opened by the Worcestershire coroner today.

Police said last night they were still treating the death of the student as 'unexplained'.

He was due to be formally identified last night but police have delayed naming him publicly until his next of kin have been informed.

Officers were called to the independent boarding school in Worcester Road, Bromsgrove, shortly before 8.15am yesterday morning.

Headteacher Chris Edwards issued a brief statement.

He said: "It is with great sadness that I have to announce the death of one of our overseas pupils. He had all the makings of an outstanding young man.

"The school community is devastated by this great loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

The school attracts boys

and girls from around the world, including Germany, Russia, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Korea and China, and charges up to £18,990 a year.

It had not been confirmed if the dead boy's family lives abroad or is in this country.