THE family of a troubled 16-year-old girl have called for an inquiry after she killed herself at a North-East hospital.

Samantha McCartney, who had a history of self-harm, was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital in a distressed state by a concerned taxi driver in the early hours of Monday. It is thought she had been sniffing petrol.

A member of hospital staff found her hanging in a room.

The teenager clung to life for two days before her family decided to switch off the life support machine on Wednesday.

Her mother, Sharon Harding, said she wanted answers as to how the tragedy had happened.

"We have been told that Sam was in a state when she got to hospital, but that she was able to give my name, address and her own name," she said. "I don't think she wanted to do it. I think this was just a cry for help.

"I have cried and cried and now I have no more tears left. I wouldn't want any other parent to go through what we are going through."

Speaking at the family home in Forest Moor Road, Firth Moor, Darlington, mother-of-seven Miss Harding said she last saw her daughter on Sunday night after they had been out in a friend's car.

The car ran out of petrol in Darlington on the way home, so Sam offered to walk the short distance to get some fuel. She never returned.

She is now asking for the taxi driver who picked up Sam in Bondgate to get in touch.

Martin Hutchinson, communications manager at County Durham and Darlington Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said he was unable to answer any specific questions because an inquest would be held.

But he said: "A 16-year-old girl died in the intensive therapy unit at Darlington Memorial Hospital following admission through accident and emergency on Monday morning. The coroner has launched an investigation and we are co-operating fully."

The inquest is expected to be opened next week.