The family of Alex Rodda, the 15-year-old who was found dead off Ashley Mill Lane close to Hale yesterday, have paid tribute to a “very loving, caring, kind, loyal and, most of all, trusting young boy”.
The teenager, from Knutsford, was discovered close to Ryecroft Farm on Ashley Mill Lane shortly before 8am yesterday.
An 18-year-old from the Knutsford area has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody being questioned by officers.
Alex’s family, who are being supported by specialist officers, have now released a statement.
It read: “Alex was a very loving, caring, kind, loyal and, most of all, trusting young boy.
“He loved life and made friends wherever he went. He will be sorely missed.”
Alex was a pupil at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School. Its headmaster, Denis Oliver, 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.”
A number of bouquets have also been left close to the scene on Ashley Mill Lane. One read: “Love you Rodderz! Rest easy big man. All our love.”
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.
