A 10-year-old boy accidentally hanged himself in a Superman pose while playing in his bedroom, an inquest heard.

Issac Lyons was wearing an Egyptian costume and had put a toy dog lead around his neck, reports Nottinghamshire Live.

Tragic Issac was found with his arms forward as if “in a bit of a Superman type position” Detective inspector Samantha Austin told the hearing.

Speaking at the youngster’s inquest, she said: “He used to play make believe and was wearing an Egyptian costume and had a plastic cosh. The family had recently been on holiday and he was very interested in the Romans.

“He may have been imagining he was a Roman. That is one hypothesis,” inspector Austin told the hearing at Nottingham Council House.

He was due to visit Alton Towers the next day.

The officer said: “He was absolutely over the moon about going to Alton Towers, extremely excited.”

The boy died in the bedroom of his home on August 12. He was found by his father Mike, 45, a former soldier and trained first aider.

He gave CPR but could not revive him.

In a statement read at the inquest, Mr Lyons described Issac as being “in a flying position” when found in the bedroom at around 7.15am. He said that he was “a very happy child.”

Assistant Coroner Dr Elizabeth Didcock conclusion was accidental death. The cause of death was hanging.

The inspector told her: “It became clear very quickly this was an utterly tragic case as opposed to anything more sinister. He was very well looked after, a very well cared for child.”

Mr Lyons told police officers that the dog lead once had a toy attached to it. Their children had been warned of the dangers it posed.

The coroner said: “There is no suspicion, no third party involvement. I wholeheartedly rule that out.”

Issac’s parents did not attend the hearing but earlier paid tribute, saying that he was “deeply caring of others” and wanted to give his toys to children’s charities.

His mother Claire Lyons, 43, said: “He had the most extraordinary imagination. He would write stories and create super heroes. He absolutely loved movies.

“If an advert for UNICEF came on he would be in floods of tears and wanted us to give them money or he would go find a toy he could donate.”

Mr Lyons, who served in the Royal Engineers, added: “He was very thoughtful and kind.”

The family had just returned from a holiday in Cumbria where they visited Hadrian’s Wall, which sparked his fascination with the Romans.

Mr Lyons added: “He was playing, having fun, and then it stopped.

“He was our superhero. It was an awful loss and a waste of a wonderful young man.”