Leeds school stabbing: Victim named as Alfie Lewis

Alfie Lewis has been named locally after the stabbing near Horsforth School on Tuesday

A 15-year-old boy who died after a stabbing near a school in Leeds has been named as Alfie Lewis.

Emergency services were called to Town Street in Horsforth, near St Margaret's Primary School, just before 15:00 GMT on Tuesday, West Yorkshire Police said.

Former Horsforth School student Alfie later died in hospital and two boys were arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police said a 14-year-old remained in custody while the other boy, age 16, had been released without charge.

Floral tributes at the scene of the fatal stabbing in Horsforth, Leeds

Tributes were being left at the scene on Wednesday morning.

Paul Bell, head of Horsforth School, said he had been "overwhelmed" by the kindness and support of the local community.

He added: "Everyone's thoughts and sympathies lie with the boy's family and friends.

"A tragedy like this is a huge shock to our school and local community, and we understand that people will be deeply affected by this rare incident. However, we know the community will rally together to support each other during this very sad and difficult time."

Mr Bell said the school was working with Leeds City Council and others agencies to support students and staff.

BBC research suggests this was the 16th confirmed fatal stabbing in West Yorkshire this year, with six of the victims being teenagers.

Reacting to the news during a visit to a school in Lincolnshire, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: "My heart goes out to [Alfie's] family and friends. They've lost a friend and this is awful."

A bench on Broadgate Lane, about half a mile from the scene, has been covered with flowers and on the ground tealight candles have been arranged to spell out Alfie's name.

Speaking to BBC Look North in Horsforth, teenagers Maisie, 14, and Holly, 17, described Alfie as "one of a kind" and "amazing".

"He was a beautiful soul," Maisie said, "always dancing around, laughing [he was] absolutely lovely, so understanding. It's horrible."

Holly said she had been messaging Alfie about "an hour before it happened" and added: "I never thought it would be Alfie. It's the most awful feeling ever."

Earlier, a special service was held at nearby St Margaret's Church to pray for those affected by the stabbing and a book of condolence opened for the teenager.

The Rev Nigel Sinclair said "the whole community had been touched by Alfie's death".

"I think people are asking 'why us?'. Knife crime we know is everywhere and it's such a terrible thing and you hear about it in other places but you never quite expect it on your own doorstep," he said.

He added that he had attended a vigil on Tuesday night at the bench on Broadgate Lane, with young people gathering to lay flowers and set off fireworks.

He said: "I found the young people with such dignity, just remembering their friend.

"They had an incredible firework display, performed so safely. It was really quite staggering.

"People talk about violence and people talk about all the anger around but actually the same young people have got so much love and support for each other."

A book of condolence has been opened at St Margaret's Church

At the scene - Tom Airey, BBC News Online

Horsforth, five miles north west of Leeds city centre, is generally regarded as a safe place to live and is known for its green spaces and good schooling.

On Tuesday afternoon, parents were on the way to pick up their children from a local primary and teenagers were leaving the town's secondary when the stabbing took place.

After dark, more than 50 people gathered at a seating area where Alfie regularly met with friends. Tealights were lit, flowers were placed on the bench and some fireworks were set off.

One neighbour of the boy's family told me her emotions were of "sadness and anger", with yet another young life lost as a result of a knife.

A short distance up the hill from the scene of the attack, St Margaret's Church is keeping its doors open for anyone who requires a space for reflection and prayer.

A book of condolence has also been opened, with the Wednesday morning Communion service focused on Alfie and the passers-by who were caught up in a tragedy which has shocked the town.

In addition to tributes left the scene, a fundraising page set up in support of Alfie's family has raised more than £9,200 since it was launched.

Matt Healy, who created the page, described Alfie as a "kind and thoughtful" boy who "had all of his friends' best interests at heart".

"He was everything a 15-year-old child should be and his life was senselessly taken from him before he had the chance to grow into it," he wrote.

The scene on Wednesday morning

Alison Lowe, deputy mayor for policing and crime in West Yorkshire, said she was "devastated" to learn of the latest death.

"I will be liaising closely with West Yorkshire Police and partners to ensure we are doing all we can to provide reassurance and support in the days and weeks to come," she added.