The family of a boy stabbed to death near a school in Leeds have said the 15-year-old had “the biggest heart” and was “one in a million”.
Alfie Lewis was attacked in the Horsforth area of the city on Tuesday afternoon as children were leaving two nearby schools.
Two teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of murder shortly after. A 14-year-old boy remained in custody on Wednesday evening but a 16-year-old boy had been released without charge, West Yorkshire police said.
The detective leading the investigation urged members of the public to avoid “unhelpful and often inaccurate speculation on social media” about the incident.
Stacey Atkinson, the senior investigating officer, 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.”
The boy’s family issued a statement on Wednesday paying tribute to him, using the family nickname, Uncle Alfie.
“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.”
A fundraising page launched by the father of one of Alfie’s friends described the teenager as “a kind and thoughtful boy who had all of his friends’ best interests at heart.”
A parent at the school, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s horrible. It’s shocking because it’s a nice area. You read about these things happening in London and you think it’s dangerous to be a teenager there, but you don’t think it would happen here.
“I just keep thinking about the parents. He probably went out this morning and they were expecting him to come home, and he’s not there.”
