Teenager detained for Haverhill murder of Harley Barfield

Harley died at Royal Papworth Hospital two days after the attack

A 17-year-old boy must serve at least 17 years in custody for the murder of another teenage boy.

Harley Barfield, 16, was stabbed in Haverhill, Suffolk, on 9 January and died in hospital two days later.

His attacker, who cannot be named due to his age, was found guilty of murder at Ipswich Crown Court and sentenced to life.

In a statement during sentencing, Harley's mother, Bernice, said: "I'm not sure he knew how loved he was."

Speaking outside court, she added: "No sentence will ever be enough as it is Harley that has lost his life and us that is left with the true life sentence.

"I can honestly say that I'm completely honoured to have been Harley's mum and I am beyond proud of him. He can now finally rest in peace."

Floral tributes were left at the scene of Harley Barfield's murder

During the trial, the court heard that Harley and his killer had been involved in arguments over a girl and a confrontation took place just before the murder.

In the attack at Strasbourg Square, Harley was stabbed at least 12 times, including one blow that pierced his heart.

The defendant was arrested about 45 minutes later and the knife was recovered from a riverbank near to the murder scene.

It took the jury more than 25 hours to reach a verdict, following a four-week trial.

'Misleading police'

Det Ch Insp Stuart Chapman, the senior investigating officer, said: "Tragically Harley lost his life in circumstances that stemmed from the defendant's obsession and jealousy.

"So much so, this came to a head when the defendant, having left school early, waited in the area and confronted Harley using a knife in a planned and violent attack.

"A knife that he chose to carry, that he chose to use and that he tried to dispose of in an effort to mislead police and minimise what he had done."

Darryl Barfield, Harley's dad, described him as "a beautiful blue-eyed boy".

"I was so proud to have Harley as a son," he said.