Alex Rodda: Man arrested on suspicion of murder after body of 15-year-old found

‘Alex was a very loving, caring, kind, loyal and, most of all, trusting young boy’

Alex Rodda, 15, from Knutsford, was found dead outside in Ashley Mill Lane, Ashley, Cheshire, shortly before 8am on Friday (PA)

Police are treating the death of a 15-year-old school boy as a murder after his body was discovered in a sleepy Cheshire village.

Alex Rodda from Knutsford was found dead in the village of Ashley, roughly 6km from his home, at 8am on Friday morning.

Eighteen year old Matthew Mason, from Ollerton near Knutsford, has since been charged with his murder. He remains in custody.

The teenager’s family have since described the child as someone “who loved life”.

"Alex was a very loving, caring, kind, loyal and, most of all, trusting young boy”, his family said in a statement released through Cheshire Police.

"He loved life and made friends wherever he went. He will be sorely missed."

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Blackwell has since appealed for information that could assist in their investigation.

"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,” he said.

"Various enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone with any information or footage that may be relevant to our investigation to get in touch."

A year 11 student at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, his head teacher Denis Oliver said staff would be on hand to support those close to the 15-year-old following the “tragic loss”.

He added: "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."