THE family of 15-year-old Alex Rodda have paid tribute to him after his body was found in Ashley.

Alex’s body was discovered outside in Ashley Mill Lane shortly before 8am on Friday, December 13.

The family of the teenage boy from the Knutsford area have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

In a joint statement, the family said: “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.”

Officers are working to establish the circumstances surrounding Alex’s death and a murder investigation has been launched.

An 18-year-old man from the Knutsford area has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He is currently in custody being questioned by officers.

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 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.