HOLMES Chapel Comprehensive School headteacher Denis Oliver has paid tribute to Alex Rodda, after the 15-year-old's body was found in Ashley on Friday morning.

An 18-year-old man from Knutsford has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning this weekend.

Mr Oliver said: "It is with great sadness that I need to inform you of the death of Alex Rodda, a student in Year 11 at our school.

"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."

The school will be open on Monday. Cheshire Police have asked anyone with information on Alex's tragic death to get in touch.

Mr Oliver added: "There has been much speculation on social media however the circumstances around Alex’s death are subject to an ongoing police investigation and we have been asked by them not to comment further at this stage.

"We will continue to cooperate fully with any requests from the police.

"The safety and wellbeing of our students is our priority.

"School will be open as normal on Monday and staff will be on hand to support students in any way affected by this tragic loss.

"The senior leadership team are monitoring the situation closely over the weekend."

Anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage that may help the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 587226.

You can also give details online here or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.