Boy, 15, stabbed to death near school named as murder probe launched

A teenage boy who died after being stabbed near a school, sparking a murder probe, has been named.

The 15-year-old, named locally as Alfie Lewis, was knifed near Horsforth School in Leeds just before 3pm on Tuesday. He was rushed to hospital but tragically died of his injuries, West Yorkshire Police said. A second school, St Margaret's Primary School, is also near the scene of the stabbing.

The force said a teenage male has been arrested in connection with the incident. It did not specify what the teen was arrested for, but did say it had launched a murder inquiry. Police have not confirmed the victim's name, but he was named locally as Alfie Lewis. It is believed Alfie was picking up another child from St Margaret’s Primary School in Town Lane and teachers reportedly carried out CPR.

The school told parents there had been a "distressing" incident involving a former pupil. One tribute on social media read: "Another child taken by knife crime sending all my love to the Lewis family." Another reads: "You were a kind and caring young boy with so much to give. I don’t know if you realised how many friends you had and how many people care about you but they were out in force for you tonight laying flowers and lighting candles for you at your bench.

Alfie Lewis

Alfie is understood to have been collecting another child from the school (Ben Lack Photography Ltd)

"Sleep tight little one." Detectives probing the murder have appealed for information. DCI Stacey Atkinson said: “Our investigation is at an early stage and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish exactly what led to this needless loss of a young man’s life.

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“We understand the immense impact and huge shock a tragic incident of this nature will will have on the community locally. Our neighbourhood police team are working with partners, including schools in the area to offer support and reassurance. We have already spoken to a number of witnesses and are keen to hear from anyone who has information about the incident.”

Police activity in Horsforth after the teenager was stabbed (PA)