Leeds teenager stabbing: What we know so far about murder investigation

Here's what we know so far about the murder investigation:

The stabbing

Irfan Wahid died on Friday after being stabbed to death in Harehills Lane, Harehills.

The 16-year-old was named by police last night (Sunday).

It happened at 3.45pm and the teenager was taken to hospital but died a short time later, police said.

Police investigation

The stabbing happened at a busy time of day and detectives appealed to the public, who may have recorded footage of the attack on mobile phones.

Detective Superintendent Pat Twiggs., of Protective Services (Crime), said: "This tragic incident happened in a busy area at a busy time of day with large numbers of people going about their daily business. I am appealing directly to anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could help our enquiries to come forward. We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who witnessed anyone running in the area to come forward.

"It is also possible that people may have recorded footage on their mobile phones and I would again encourage those people to come forward."

Arrests

Police arrested a 16-year-old boy last night on suspicion of murder and he is currently in custody.

A 15-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of murder on Friday.

Police said yesterday that he had been released without charge

Family and friends' reaction

Dozens of bunches of flowers had yesterday been laid near the scene of the attack that claimed Irfan's life.

A poignant note left on one bunch of flowers outside Yorkshire Bank at the junction of Harehills Lane and Strathmore View in Harehills said: “Even though you are gone you will never be forgotten.”

Another said: “I can’t believe this has happened. I’m gonna miss you so much.”

There were also moving words from Michael Shackleton, said to be one of Irfan’s former primary school teachers.

Writing on Facebook, Mr Shackleton said: “He had so much potential and he was one of those kids who you get in every class who you were willing to succeed, a child who you knew that, if things fell into place, would become an awesome young adult.”

Community rallies in response to murder

The Harehills community has united in support of Irfan’s family, who were yesterday too distressed to speak.

Hundreds of members of the community gathered at the scene of the tragedy and at the nearby Bilal Mosque over the weekend to offer prayers.

Dozens of youngsters also walked from the mosque to lay flowers at the scene of the tragedy in tribute to their beloved pal.

Friends and family took to social media to urge witnesses to come forward and help police with their investigations.

They are urging people to use the #JusticeForIffy and #IffysWorld hashtags in tribute to the much loved youngster.