An inquest into the death of a vulnerable 17-year-old boy hit by a train in Croydon will investigate the care he received prior to death.

Samuel Howes, from Purley, had a history of mental ill-health and had been admitted to A&E over 40 times in the three years prior to his death.

The youngest of four siblings, his family described him as a “smart, articulate and creative boy who was full of potential”.

Samuel was passionate about playing football and supported Crystal Palace, while he also loved writing and performing music.

He became the subject of a care order under Croydon Council just before his 16th birthday and was living in semi-independent social services accommodation while receiving mental health support from South London and Maudsley child and adolescent mental health services (SLaM CAMHS).

His mental health deteriorated drastically during the Covid-19 pandemic and on August 30, 2020, he was arrested by British Transport Police and held in custody while under the influence of alcohol.

He did not receive medical attention while in custody, despite repeated attempts to self-harm, and was released from custody 19 hours later without relevant safeguarding forms having been completed.

Two days later, on September 1, he was recorded as a missing person by the Metropolitan police after an incident at his accommodation.

The following morning he called 999 from a friend’s house whilst crying and expressing suicidal thoughts.

Police attended his friend’s house but could not find Samuel.

He was classed as a "medium risk" missing person and there was no active search for him, and several days later he died after being hit by a train at South Croydon train station.

An inquest at South London Coroner’s Court began on Monday (March 13) and is scheduled to last three weeks.

His family are seeking answers about the care and support he received in the months before his death.

The inquest continues.

Samaritans can be called 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 116 123, or the website is here.