Masterchef star's horror after daughter's friend stabbed to death outside school

08 November 2023 , 11:20

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Masterchef star's horror after daughter's friend stabbed to death outside school

A MasterChef star has told of his shock after his daughter’s close friend was stabbed to death.

Dad Matt Healy, 40, who came runner up in MasterChef: the professionals in 2016, has spoken out after teenager Alfie Lewis, was knifed near Horsforth School in Leeds just before 3pm on Tuesday. The 15 year old was rushed to hospital but died of his injuries, West Yorkshire Police said.

Matt said: "It's absolutely shocking. This is such a sleepy and lovely town. I work in the night time industry and there’s really never even a bad word said to anyone. You never see any bother. It’s difficult to put into words because 15 is no age. My daughter’s very close friends with Alfie. They’re bright kids and there’s a massive group of them who all hang round together. He really cared for his friends.”

He said it had been tough trying to console his teenage daughter after 15 year old Alfie Lewis was stabbed. It is believed he was stabbed three times - including in the chest."

Alfie Lewis was stabbed

Asked about knife crime, Matt who runs the Forde restaurant in Horsforth, added: “It’s worrying and shocking but most of all it’s sad. You worry about your kids all the time. It’s shocking to see knife crime come to a town like this. It’s now on everyone’s radar. Before ignorance was bliss.”

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Matt Healy reached the final of MasterChef: The Professionals (Yorkshire Post / SWNS.COM)

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. It is believed Alfie was picking up a child from St Margaret’s Primary School in Town Lane and teachers reportedly carried out CPR.

Police in Horsforth, Leeds (PA)

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."

Lucy Thornton