The body discovered on the border between Hale and Ashley yesterday has been identified as Alex Rodda, a 15-year-old from Knutsford.
The body was discovered outside in Ashley Mill Lane shortly before 8am yesterday. Police have sealed off Ryecroft Farm, at the end of Ashley Mill Lane.
The teenager’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
An 18-year-old from the Knutsford area has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody being questioned by officers.
Denis Oliver, the headmaster of Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School where Alex was a pupil, said the teenager “will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him within our close-knit school family”.
He added: “Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with Alex’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
Officers are working to establish the circumstances surrounding his death and a murder investigation has been launched.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Blackwell, of Cheshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Directorate, 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 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.”
Anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage that may help the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 587226, give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk.
