Alex Rodda: Man charged with murder after body of missing 15-year-old boy found in Cheshire

Teenager was reported missing earlier this week

Alex Rodda, 15, from Knutsford, was found dead outside in Ashley Mill Lane, Ashley, Cheshire, shortly before 8am on Friday (PA)

An 18-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a 15-year-old schoolboy who was found dead in a village in Cheshire.

Alex Rodda‘s body was found outside in Ashley Mill Lane, in the village of Ashley, shortly before 8am on Friday, days after he had been reported missing.

Matthew Mason, of Ollerton, near Knutsford, was arrested in Forton, Newport, at around midday on Friday.

Mason has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

He has been remanded in custody and is set to appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Alex’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

The family, who are also from the Knutsford area, said in a statement released by Cheshire Police on Saturday night: “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.”

Denis Oliver, the headteacher at Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School, where Alex was a pupil, also paid tribute to the teenager.

In a statement posted to the school’s website, he 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.

“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.

“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.”

Over the weekend a police cordon remained in place while investigators and forensic officers combed nearby woodland area.

Anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage that may help the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 587226, provide details via cheshire.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Additional reporting by PA