Boy, 15, dies after being stabbed near school

A 15-year-old boy has died after being stabbed in Leeds earlier today.

The teenager was attacked on St Margaret’s Avenue in the Horsforth area of Leeds, according to the head of a nearby school.

West Yorkshire Police said officers were called to the scene just before 3.00pm on Tuesday (7 November) to reports of an assault.

The force said two teenage boys has been arrested in connection with the incident.

West Yorkshire Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson said: “Our investigation is at an early stage and we are carrying out extensive inquiries to establish exactly what led to this needless loss of a young man’s life.

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“We understand the immense impact and huge shock a tragic incident of this nature will 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."

The boy who was stabbed is a former pupil of Horsforth School, according to the school’s head Paul Bell.

In a message to parents, he said: “You will be aware of a distressing incident in the community today, involving a former student of Horsforth School who was stabbed on St Margaret’s Avenue.

“The police are aware and working with the school.”

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Bell said: “We are aware of the distress and upset this has caused students and staff who know the student.

“We will be supporting students and staff in school and will update you as soon as we are able.

“We have limited information at this time.”

A parent at the school, who did not wish to be named, told the Press Association: “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.”

Police cordons are in place in the area while forensic examinations take place.

Witnesses are urged to contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or go online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat quoting reference 0952 of 7/11.

Alternatively, call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.