A DEVASTATED teenager has paid tribute to her "amazing best friend" who tragically died following a stabbing - as police continue their murder investigation into the tragedy.

Officers were called to the Town Street area in Horsforth shortly before 3pm yesterday after they received a report a teenager had been assaulted and seriously injured.

Emergency services attended and a 15-year-old boy was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

It was later confirmed he had sadly died, triggering a murder probe by West Yorkshire Police.

He has been named locally as Alfie Lewis, who was a former pupil at Horsforth School.

A teenage boy has been arrested over the incident, which has left the community in mourning.

Maisie Tattersall, 14, who knew Alfie for around five years, paid a touching tribute to him today when she spoke to the Telegraph & Argus with her mother's permission.

She said: "He was such a beautiful soul - he was lovely.

"He was an amazing best friend who was adored by everyone.

"Like so many people right now, I'm in shock at what has happened and I've not even begun to come to terms with it all.

"Alfie had such a wonderful smile.

"He made everyone laugh with his dancing and his jokes. 

"He loved football and socialising and sitting on his bench, where all the flowers and tributes are today.

Ilkley Gazette: Tributes to Alfie at his bench Tributes to Alfie at his bench (Image: Newsquest)

"I'll always miss Alfie and I'll never forget him."

Maisie's mother Holly added: "He was a kind and caring young boy with so much to give.

"Alfie did not deserve what happened to him. 

"Sleep tight, little one."

Holly added they have launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for Alfie's family.

It states: "He was everything a 15-year-old child should be and his life was senselessly taken from him before he had the chance to grow into it.

"A lovely, kind, funny, mischievous, brave and generous young boy lost his life tragically and his family, friends, and all who knew him, would love to give him the funeral and tribute he deserves."

Last night, mourners gathered at the scene of the incident to lay flowers and pay tribute - as emotional messages flooded in on social media.

West Yorkshire Police said cordons remain in place in the area while examinations take place.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson said: "Our investigation is at an early stage and we are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish exactly what led to this needless loss of a young man's life.

"We understand the immense impact and huge shock a tragic incident of this nature will will have on the community locally. 

"We have already spoken to a number of witnesses and are keen to hear from anyone who has information about the incident."

Horsforth School headteacher Paul Bell said: "Horsforth School is overwhelmed by the kindness and support offered to us following the tragic loss of one of our former students yesterday.

"Everyone's thoughts and sympathies lie with the boy's family and friends.

"A tragedy like this is a huge shock to our school and local community, and we understand that people will be deeply affected by this rare incident.

"However, we know the community will rally together to support each other during this very sad and difficult time.

"We are working to support our students and staff who have been affected."

Horsforth's St Margaret's Church is open today so people can say prayers and show their support to Alfie's loved ones.

Reverend Nigel Sinclair, team rector at the church, said: "The whole community is so touched by Alfie's death - everybody is grieving.

"People are asking 'why us?'

"Knife crime is a terrible thing and you never expect it on your doorstep."

Stuart Andrew, MP for Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough, said: "The terrible news in Horsforth is deeply shocking and distressing and my heartfelt sympathy goes to the family of the victim."

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also commented on the tragedy.

He said: "My heart goes out to the family and friends of the young person who was tragically killed.

"What I want to say is we're doing everything we can to clamp down, in particular, on knife crime as it impacts young people."