Parbold murder: Teenager arrested over ‘truly shocking’ killing of 18-year-old found dead in woodland

‘Alex was a much-loved son and brother, and his family are obviously distraught by what has happened’

Police said they recognised the impact the crime had had on the small community north of Wigan (Google Maps)

A teenager has been arrested on suspicion of the “truly shocking murder” of an 18-year-old man whose body was found in a wooded area, police said.

Alex Davies, from Skelmersdale, was reported missing from his home on Tuesday and his body was discovered in Parbold, Lancashire, on Wednesday evening.

Formal identification is yet to take place but the family of Mr Davies have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained liaison officers.

Detectives have now arrested a 17-year-old male on suspicion of murder, Lancashire Police said.

A post-mortem examination has been conducted and the cause of death established, but detectives are not disclosing the details for “operational reasons”.

The last confirmed sighting of the teenager was on Monday afternoon.

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Hurst, of Lancashire Police’s major investigation team, said: “This is a truly shocking murder of a young man and my thoughts are with his family and friends at this desperately sad time.

“Alex was a much-loved son and brother, and his family are obviously distraught by what has happened. We recognise the impact this investigation has had in the Parbold area and would like to thank the community for its support.”

Press Association