A 15-year-old boy who was stabbed to death has been named and described as a teenager 'with a heart of gold'.
Dylan Bragger was pronounced dead at the scene of the attack in Skelmersdale, Lancashire, at around 9pm last night, sparking a police murder probe.
Friends today described 'a lovely lad' with 'a heart of gold' as the village mourned. Emergency services rushed to the scene but paramedics were unable to save the youngster.
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One family friend told The Mirror today: "He was a lovely lad. He never failed to say 'hi' to me. He did have a heart of gold - so lovely. It's very sad, what's happened."
Lancashire Police have arrested a 28-year-old man on suspicion of murder, and said the boy's family are being supported by specially trained officers.
The attack happened near a dual-carriageway in the south of the town. The area, and adjacent woodland, remains taped off as officers investigate the stabbing. It is understood Dylan was from Skelmersdale, which is in mourning today.
One friend, who created a GoFundMe page to raise money for the boy's funeral, wrote: "It's a really heart-breaking death for everyone around the town, all the support is much appreciated." Friends have raised more than £1,000 already.
In an emotional Facebook post, one friend shared her grief, writing: "Love you long-time, my angel. Forever 15... Will never forget you my bestie." She put beside her words the emojis of a flying dove and a broken heart.
Speaking today, Inspector Simon Pritchard, of Lancashire Police, said: "A murder investigation is underway following the death of a boy in Skelmersdale.
"These are very sad and tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with the victim’s family at this time. Whilst we have made an arrest we would continue to appeal to anyone with information, or who feels they can assist with our enquiries, to come forward.
"This happened near to a busy dual carriageway, so we’d ask drivers to check their dash cam footage and think back to any unusual activity they may recall from the area. It’s important we build a picture of the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
"We recognise this will have caused some concern in the community but please be reassured incidents of this nature are rare and we have a dedicated team of detectives working on the case."
