Tributes to boy, 14, found dead on public green opposite Leeds school

TRIBUTES have been paid to a teenage boy who was found dead on a public green opposite a school in Leeds.
By The Newsroom
Published 8th Aug 2015, 10:39 BST
Flowers left in a public green, opposite Allerton High School, on King Lane, in Alwoodley, Leeds. Picture: Ross Parry AgencyFlowers left in a public green, opposite Allerton High School, on King Lane, in Alwoodley, Leeds. Picture: Ross Parry Agency
Flowers left in a public green, opposite Allerton High School, on King Lane, in Alwoodley, Leeds. Picture: Ross Parry Agency

The 14-year-old, named locally as Callum Garland, was last seen climbing a tree on land off King Lane, opposite Allerton High School in Alwoodley, shortly before he was found unresponsive on Thursday evening.

Police said his death was not being treated as suspicious.

Callum’s father, Russ, wrote on Facebook: “Going to miss you my darling son. Love you now and forever, never going to be the same now. There is a hole in my heart. Good night, god bless my prince.”

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News of the incident was met with widespread shock on social media as floral tributes began to accumulate at the scene.

A message on one card, written by Bethany, said: “I miss you, I will always. love you.”

Jodie Myers wrote on Facebook: “R.I.P to my beautiful cousin Callum, gonna miss you loads.”

Amanda Marie Varley added: “Fly high my beautiful nephew love you always.”

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Fears for Callum’s safety were first raised shortly after 6.30pm on Thursday.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Police received a call raising concerns for a 14-year-old boy who had been climbing a tree on public land between Cranmer Rise and King Lane, Alwoodley.

“Emergency services attended and the boy was pronounced dead at the scene. His family have been informed.

“The death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner’s office has been notified.”

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A large area of the green, which is popular with dog walkers and joggers and is overlooked by homes next to one of the main roads through north Leeds, was cordoned off while enquiries took place and Callum’s body was recovered.

As news started to emerge about what had happened, dozens of people spoke of their shock on social media, prompting people who knew the teenager to respond to their messages.

Rara Jenkins said on Facebook: “There are no words to describe what our families are feeling right know.

“Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts.”

She added: “Spread your wings and fly high Callum till we meet again darling love you to moon and back.”