Tributes are pouring in following the death of a 15-year-old boy in Oldham on his way home from a night out.
Updated
The body of the Leon Cudworth was found by police on Saturday morning in an alleyway just off Ripponden Road, in the Moorside area.
His death is still being investigated by police after a post mortem to establish the cause of death was inconclusive.
Leon is believed to have been on a night out and heading home to his dad’s house when he died.
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Reade of Greater Manchester Police said: “We are not treating Leon’s death as suspicious.
“The investigation has revealed that Leon was captured on CCTV leaving friends just after 1am at McDonalds on Huddersfield Road, making his way home.
“He is later seen just before 1.20am on CCTV on Ripponden Road just 300 meters from his home address.
“Sadly his death appears to be the result of a tragic set of circumstances.”
Detective Chief Inspector Phil Reade said police are awaiting further toxicology tests to help determine the cause of death.
Tributes have flooded in for the Kingsland School pupil, including on Facebook where more than 2,000 people have joined a page set up in his memory.
The page administrator wrote: “1616 people are showing their respect to our friend Leon. Why did it have to be him, there’s so many people who it could have been. Why him, he had his whole life ahead of him. RIP mate from everyone.”
The page shows a photo of many of Leon’s friends and family gathering at the site where his body was found.
Sharan Hill said: “Brings tears to my eyes seeing this group photo of my son and his friends paying tribute to their fallen pal. R.I.P. Leon.”
Another Facebook user wrote: “Leon, such a lovely lad you were always had a smile on your face which would brighten up the whole day.
“Gone so soon you’ll be missed but many sleep tight beautiful may the angles look after you and keep you safe and sound shine bright leon we love you xxxxx.”
Police are still looking for witnesses and Chief Superintendent Sykes added: “We would urge anyone with information to get in touch as your information, however small and insignificant it may seem, could help us to piece together the movements of this young man on Friday night into Saturday morning.
“We have officers patrolling the area so would ask anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area that night to speak to us.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Picture courtesy of Facebook, with thanks.
