Alfie Lewis: Funeral held of 15-year-old boy killed in stabbing

Alfie Lewis, 15, was fatally stabbed in Horsforth just before 15:00 GMT on 7 November

The funeral has taken place of a 15-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed in Leeds last month.

Friends and family gathered to remember Alfie Lewis, who was stabbed near St Margaret's Primary School in Horsforth on 7 November.

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with his murder.

Speaking before the funeral, Rev Nigel Sinclair said Alfie's friends and family wanted a service that "reflected his life and was accessible to all".

The funeral procession travelled to St Margaret's Church in Horsforth

The funeral procession began at a bench in Horsforth where Alfie spent time with his friends.

It had since become a focal point for floral memorials and messages.

The service took place at St Margaret's Church, with mementoes of the teenager's life on display, including a football shirt from Alfie's brother's team.

A graffiti wall was also put up where people could leave messages.

Alfie's friends left messages on a memorial wall which was displayed at the funeral service

Rev Sinclair said: "It's a lot easier for young people to be able to express themselves in that slightly less formal way - and they have done so in large numbers.

"It's a lovely board that will go to Alfie's family and will be a lasting memory for them."

He described the "incredible shock" felt by the community following Alfie's death and said the response from the 15-year-old's friends had since been "really quite inspirational".

Rev Sinclair added that people he had spoken to about the teenager had described him as "deeply loved" with a "heart of gold".

Floral tributes had been left at a bench on Broadgate Lane, Horsforth, after Alfie's death