Horsforth residents were in shock following reports that a 15-year-old had been stabbed in the centre of the Leeds town.

Police were called to the scene just before 3pm yesterday (November 7), where a teenager had reportedly been attacked in St Margaret’s Avenue. The 15-year-old, named as Alfie Lewis, later died.

The force said that another teenage boy had been arrested.

At around 7pm yesterday, there was a significant police presence in the area around the crime scene, with traffic being restricted by officers and cordons remaining in place. Forensic teams were also at the scene.

Forensic officers in Horsforth, Leeds, after a 15-year-old boy was taken to hospital in a critical condition after he was reportedly assaulted near a school. Photo: Danny Lawson/PA Wire.

Church Lane was still closed from its junctions at Church Avenue and Town Street. People trying to pass through were redirected by officers, as a handful of nearby residents gathered in their drives and members of the press congregated at the police cordon.

There were very few people in the area, save for a few passers-by who had heard about the reported attack.

One woman who lives in Horsforth said: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard what had happened. It’s very sad.”

Another passer-by said: “The police have been here all afternoon, we couldn’t get through.”

Meanwhile, Jonathan Pryor, the deputy leader of Leeds City Council, said on X [formerly Twitter]: “Heartbroken to learn to of a serious event in Horsforth this afternoon. 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.”

Horsforth residents in shock as police remain on scene following reported stabbing in Leeds town