Horsforth murder: Live updates as police charge teenager over fatal stabbing of 15-year-old in Leeds
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West Yorkshire Police launched a murder investigation into the death of 15-year-old Alfie Lewis on Tuesday (November 7).
Emergency services were called to the Town Street area of Horsforth, Leeds, just before 3pm. The boy was taken to hospital in a critical condition but it was later confirmed that he had died.
A 14-year-old youth is due to appear in court today, charged with murder. Follow our live blog below and refresh the page for the latest updates...
Live: Updates on Leeds murder investigation as tributes paid
Key Events
What should I do if I have any information?
Witnesses are urged to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or go online via the 101LiveChat quoting reference 0952 of 7/11. Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
West Yorkshire Deputy Mayor issues statement following death of teenage boy
Alison Lowe, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime in West Yorkshire, said: “I am devastated to learn of the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy in Horsforth.
“My thoughts are with his family and friends and the local community affected by this utterly senseless incident. I will be liaising closely with West Yorkshire Police and partners to ensure we are doing all we can to provide reassurance and support in the days and weeks to come.
“I am aware an individual has been arrested and this is a live ongoing police investigation. I would urge anyone with information to contact police on 101.”
Prime Minister vow to tackle knife crime
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was asked about the boy’s death during a visit to a Lincolnshire school.
He said: “My heart goes out to the family and friends of the young person who was tragically killed.
“What I want to say is we’re doing everything we can to clamp down in particular on knife crime as it impacts young people.”
On pupils at the victim’s former school, Mr Sunak said: “My heart and sympathies go out to all of them. They’ve lost a friend and this is awful.
“I know that they will be shocked by what’s happened.
“I want to make sure that in all communities across the country, we’ve got police officers that are giving people the reassurance they need that their communities are safe.”
Local MP issues statement
Local MP Stuart Andrew posted on social media: "The terrible news in Horsforth today is deeply shocking and distressing, and my heartfelt sympathy goes to the family of the victim.
"I cannot imagine how they will be feeling and my thoughts are prayers are with them at this dreadful time.
"I am also thinking about the pupils, teachers and staff at Horsforth school, who I know will be devastated.
"The whole community will be stunned by this as the school is such a proud part of the town, which is a peaceful and welcoming place.
"I have been keeping in contact with the police and respect the need for them to carry out their investigations.
"I am sure we will all also want to give the family the space and peace they will need in the coming days and weeks."
Former school 'overwhelmed by kindness'
The former school of the 15-year-old boy stabbed in Leeds has said it is “overwhelmed by the kindness and support” offered following the “tragic loss”.
In a statement provided to the YEP, Paul Bell, head of Horsforth School, said: “Horsforth School is overwhelmed by the kindness and support offered to us following the tragic loss of one of our former students yesterday. Everyone’s thoughts and sympathies lie with the boy’s family and friends. “A tragedy like this is a huge shock to our school and local community, and we understand that people will be deeply affected by this rare incident,. However, we know the community will rally together to support each other during this very sad and difficult time.” “We are working with Leeds City Council and others agencies to support our students and staff who have been affected.”
Deputy leader of Leeds City Council issues statement
Jonathan Pryor, deputy leader of Leeds City Council, said on X, formerly Twitter: “Heartbroken to learn to (sic) of a serious event in Horsforth this afternoon.
“I know the distress and upset this will cause students and staff.
“While there isn’t much we can say at this stage, an arrest has been made, and we will be supporting Horsforth School in every way we can.”
Cordons remain in place
Police cordons are in place while forensic examinations take place. The victim’s family have been informed.
Tributes paid by school
Paul Bell, head of Horsforth School, said the boy who was stabbed is a former pupil.
In a message to parents, he said: “You will be aware of a distressing incident in the community today, involving a former student of Horsforth School who was stabbed on St Margaret’s Avenue. The police are aware and working with the school.”
Dr Bell added: “We are aware of the distress and upset this has caused students and staff who know the student.
“We will be supporting students and staff in school and will update you as soon as we are able. We have limited information at this time.”
What happened?
It was confirmed yesterday that a 15-year-old boy had been taken to hospital in a critical condition after he was assaulted near a school in Leeds. It was later confirmed that he had died.