The devastated parents of a much-loved teenager who is believed to have taken his own life have said: "We couldn't wish for a better child."
Joel Crockett Devine was found hanging in his bedroom in Wavertree on April 26 by his devoted mum Ruth who ran out the house and flagged down a passing police car.
The 19-year-old may have been bullied before his death, allegations which have led to an 18-year-old man, from Croxteth, being arrested in connection to the tragedy.
The teen was quizzed over claims of sharing material with intent to cause distress.
Heartbroken Ruth, and Joel's dad, Jimmy, told the ECHO: "He was a much adored, and much loved son, brother, nephew and everything.
"We couldn't wish for a better child.
"Everyone who met him, loved him."
Dad Jimmy said he spoke to his son on the same day he died, and he "seemed fine."
Joel was classed as vulnerable because he had Asperger's Syndrome.
He attended Bank View High School in Fazakerley.
She added that he fell victim to "snakes" who allegedly took advantage of him.
An inquest has been postponed, but his parents say there was no alcohol or drugs present in his body at the time of his sudden death.
His mum, Ruth, 52, paid tribute to him, saying: "Joel was a bright, happy-go-lucky boy.
"He loved his school, his true friends. He had ambition and aspirations to drive.
"He left school with 11 GCSEs, he attained NVQ Level 1 and 2 in business admin.
"He achieved an automatic admission to do drama diploma Level 3 at Liverpool City College where again his charisma, charm, manners, passion shone."
She added: "My Joel will never be a distant memory to me or my family.
"I will try my utmost, with the strength of God, to organise a tribute night to my wonderful son.
"He loved humour in pure Scouse fashion.
"My beautiful boy had special needs because he was a special boy.
"And for this I fought for his very special education where he loved and blossomed and achieved qualifications [that] a lot of mainstream pupils didn’t.
"He was vulnerable.
"He believed every word anyone said and sometimes put his trust in snakes.
"He found it hard to understand an injustice and why people hurt each other.
"My amazing son, who showed love, generosity, tried so hard to be happy in a world of jealousy, betrayal and criticism.
"I adore you Joel and I will fight until the end."
Merseyside Police are now leading the probe into his death after suspicious activity came to light in recent months.
They are looking at the suspect's phone to scour it for any criminal correspondence.
On Wednesday, an inquest review hearing was adjourned for around three months to allow investigations to continue.
Around 10 relatives, including his grandmother Therese, attended the short court hearing in Kirkdale.
Many of the family were wearing red T-shirts, emblazoned with the teen's photo, and the message "RIP Joel" on the front and "YNWA [You'll Never Walk Alone] on the back.
An online fundraising effort amassed £4,500 for his funeral and for donations towards mental health charity MIND.
