Death of boy, 15, found in Oldham alleyway 'unexplained'

Tributes pouring in for teenager locally named as Leon Cudworth

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The death of a 15-year-old boy found in an alleyway in Oldham is being treated as “unexplained” by police.

The teenager, named locally as Leon Cudworth, was found shortly after 7.45am on Saturday.

Paramedics were called after a member of the public saw him “on the floor” but pronounced the boy dead at the scene in Ripponden Road, Moorside.

Greater Manchester Police are treating the death as unexplained until a post mortem due to take place on Saturday determines the cause.

Chief Superintendent Chris Sykes said: “The death of this young man will be a big shock to the community and we have launched an investigation to find out the full circumstances of what happened.”

He added: “While there is nothing at this stage to suggest any wrongdoing, we cannot rule out any third-party involvement.”

More than 800 people have already joined a tribute page to Leon on Facebook, although formal identification has not yet taken place.

Teigan Heselwood wrote: “RIP Leon, you were amazing! Can't believe you've actually gone! Just shows god only takes the best! You’re with the angels now, love and miss you millions baby! Rest in paradise.”

The family of the deceased have been informed.

Police have increased patrols in the area to reassure residents and are asking for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the early hours of Saturday to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.