Detectives in Leeds investigating the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy named Alfie Lewis are urging the public to refrain from speculating about the incident while they continue to seek information.
Alfie Lewis was declared deceased in hospital following a stabbing at the junction of Church Road and Church Lane in Horsforth, just before 3pm yesterday.
Subsequently, a 14-year-old boy was taken into custody on suspicion of murder. He remains in detention. Another 16-year-old boy was also apprehended on suspicion of murder yesterday evening but has since been released without charge.
Specially trained family liaison officers are providing support to the victim’s family. Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team and the Safer Leeds Partnership are actively engaged in the community and collaborating with local schools to offer reassurance.
A secured scene is still in place for forensic examination and specialized searches. Detectives from West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are leading the investigation.
Detectives from West Yorkshire Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are leading the investigation.
Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson said: “Alfie’s family are absolutely devastated about his death in such sudden and violent circumstances, and we are doing everything we can to support them and get them the answers they need.
“They have asked that their privacy is respected so that they can begin to grieve at what is clearly a very difficult and painful time for them.
“We fully appreciate that the murder of a child in these circumstances will cause concern in the community, and we are aware of various discussions and comments on social media.
“We would ask that people avoid unhelpful and often inaccurate speculation on social media which has the potential to cause unnecessary distress to the family and create issues that divert and distract the police response to this terrible incident.
“We are still working to build up a clear picture of the circumstances surrounding Alfie’s murder and we ask people to leave it to the investigation to find out what led to Alfie’s tragic death.
“The exception to this is we would of course still like to hear from anyone who witnessed any part of this incident, which took place in a busy part of Horsforth, or who has any information that could assist the investigation.”
Anyone possessing information is urged to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101, quoting Operation Poplincard or reference 13230618644. Information can also be provided through the Major Incident Public Portal using the link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/13XM020123L86-PO1.
A statement from Alfie’s family reads:
A statement from Alfie’s family:
“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.”
“Uncle Alfie” was a cherished nickname within the family.
