Police have launched a murder investigation after a 15-year-old boy was fatally stabbed near a school in Leeds.
Police and paramedics were called to the Town Street area in Horsforth shortly before 3pm on Tuesday following reports that a teenager had been seriously assaulted.
The boy was taken to hospital in a critical condition. It was later confirmed that he had died.
A teenage boy has been arrested and is in custody.
DCI Stacey Atkinson said: “Our investigation is at an early stage and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish exactly what led to this needless loss of a young man’s life.
“We understand the immense impact and huge shock a tragic incident of this nature will have on the community locally.
“Our neighbourhood police team are working with partners, including schools in the area to offer support and reassurance.
“We have already spoken to a number of witnesses and are keen to hear from anyone who has information about the incident.”
A large police presence remains in the area and people in Horsforth saw an air ambulance at the scene.
Paul Bell, the headteacher at Horsforth school, reportedly said in a message to parents that the victim was a former pupil who had been stabbed on St Margaret’s Avenue.
He was quoted as saying: “Our thoughts and sympathies lie with his family at this time while the student is receiving medical treatment.
“We are aware of the distress and upset this has caused students and staff who know the student.”
A parent at the school, who did not wish to be named, told the PA news agency: “It’s horrible. It’s shocking because it’s a nice area … 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.”
Jonathan Pryor, the deputy leader of Leeds city council, said he was “heartbroken” to learn of the incident.
He added: “I know the distress and upset this will cause students and staff. While there isn’t much we can say at this stage, an arrest has been made, and we will be supporting Horsforth school in every way we can.”
Katie White, who is one of four people standing to be Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Leeds North West, earlier wrote on X: “Sadly there are moments that can change and ruin lives forever and it appears there has been one of those moments today in Horsforth. Whilst we await confirmation of the boy’s condition, we understand the situation is serious. Prayers with his family.”
