Bench in memory of boy killed by mum and partner

Alfie Steele died after being held under water as punishment at his home in Droitwich in 2021

A bench has been installed close to the home of Alfie Steele, who died after months of abuse at the hands of his mother and her partner.

The nine-year-old had more than 50 injuries on his body when he died at his home in Droitwich, Worcestershire, in February 2021.

His mother Carla Scott and partner Dirk Howell were jailed in June last year.

The bench, suggested by the community, is likely to be the first of three tributes to him in the area, Hindlip, Martin Hussingtree and Salwarpe Parish Council said.

It faces Alfie's home, which has provoked some comments locally about whether it should be located elsewhere, while other residents agree with where it is.

"It's here as a memory reminder of Alfie, which we know all too well... and it's a good step in the right direction to remind of the needs of others," Alan Thawley, deputy chair the parish council said.

"A lot of the suggestions came from the local community and also as a step further in this direction, there is going to be a local garden set up in memory of Alfie and that's by the local residents' association and they're happy.

"I think the sceptics should perhaps step back and look at what's going on in the locality first before they start being too heavy-handed."

Georgina Morley, who lives in the area and whose nieces played with Alfie when they were younger, said she appreciated the location.

"I think it's lovely and it's a place where people can come to remember Alfie," she said.

"How he was taken was awful, his life was cut short so it's a nice place to come and remember him.

"The location, directly looking at the house where he was abused, maybe [the bench] could have had its back to it, but other than that, no, it's a nice place."

Georgina Morley said her nieces played with Alfie when they were younger

After Alfie's death, Ms Morley said her nieces spoke of seeing him not being allowed inside his home at times - one one occasion being made to stay outside in the rain - but because of their age, they did not realise what was happening.

"They've moved now but this is nice when they come to stay with me they can come up and sit there and chat to him if they wanted," she added.

"I didn't know him but he was lovely lad and and it's nice that he will always be remembered and that's the legacy he leaves behind."

Resident Carol Bennett said she thought it was good idea to remember him.

"That's where he lived. I know he was abused but that was his home," she said.