Horsforth stabbing: Teenage boy denies murdering Alfie Lewis as he appears at Leeds Crown Court

The 14-year-old, who can’t be named for legal reasons, appeared at Leeds Crown Court this morning for a brief pre-trial preparation hearing where he formally entered a not guilty plea. However, he did admit possessing a knife that day.

He is charged with the murder of 15-year-old Alfie in the Horsforth area in November. Held in custody, he made a brief appearance for the five-minute hearing.

He is set to stand trial on April 22. It is expected to last between two and three weeks.

Alfie Lewis was attacked just before 3pm on Tuesday, November 7 at the junction of Church Lane and Church Road, which is between Horsforth School and St Margaret’s Primary School.

In the days that followed, Alfie’s family paid tribute to him, saying he was known as “Uncle Alfie”.

A family statement read: “I haven’t got the words to describe how devastated we all are. Alfie, you were one in a million, so funny and an all-round entertainer with your rapping and dancing feet.

“You had the biggest heart and took care of everybody around you. You will never know just how much you are loved by family and friends, and you will always be our Uncle Alfie. We love you so much. Nothing will ever be the same without you.

“You will shine in the sky, as bright as you did in all our lives. I love you more than words can say, and you will always be with us forever. Love you Uncle Alfie.”

A bench on Broadgate Lane, close to where Alfie lived, was covered in floral tributes to the teenager and has become a focal point where his friends and family have gathered to remember him.

Alfie was a former pupil of Horsforth School. Head Paul Bell said the school has been “overwhelmed by the kindness and support offered to us following the tragic loss of one of our former students”.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak even spoke out and described the incident as “awful” and said his “heart goes out to the family”.