Boy’s body found in Cheshire village is suspected murder victim Alex Rodda, 15
Written by News on 14/12/2019
A body found in a village is that of a 15-year-old boy who is suspected of having been murdered.
Cheshire police have named the victim as Alex Rodda, from Knutsford.
The teenager was found dead on Ashley Mill Lane in Ashley, around four miles from the market town, shortly before 8am on Friday.
An 18-year-old man, who is also from the Knutsford area, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held in custody for questioning.
The victim’s family has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Blackwell said: “Our thoughts are with Alex’s family at this extremely difficult time.
“They are currently being supported by specialist officers and we request for their privacy to be respected.
“We are in the very early stages of our investigation into Alex’s death, which we are treating as a murder.
“I would like to reassure the community that this is believed to be an isolated incident and we are doing everything we can to establish exactly what has taken place.
“Various inquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone with any information or footage that may be relevant to our investigation to get in touch.”
Denis Oliver, his headteacher at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, said: “Alex will be sorely missed.”
He said Alex was a Year 11 student in a statement posted to the school’s website.
“There has been much speculation on social media, however, the circumstances around Alex’s death are subject to an ongoing police investigation and we have been asked by them not to comment further at this stage. We will continue to cooperate fully with any requests from the police,” he said.
“The safety and wellbeing of our students is our priority. School will be open as normal on Monday and staff will be on hand to support students in any way affected by this tragic loss.
“The senior leadership team are monitoring the situation closely over the weekend.
“Alex will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him within our close-knit school family.
“Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
(c) Sky News 2019: Boy’s body found in Cheshire village is suspected murder victim Alex Rodda, 15
