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A 15-year-old boy found dead in a village was a "caring and trusting young boy", his family has said.

The body of Alex Rodda was discovered in Ashley Mill Lane in Ashley, Cheshire, at about 08:00 GMT on Friday.

His family has paid tribute to the Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School pupil as police investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

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

In a statement Alex's 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."

Head teacher Denis Oliver said Alex, who was in Year 11 and from the Knutsford area, would be "sorely missed by everyone who knew him".

"Our deepest sympathies, thoughts and prayers are with Alex's family and friends at this very sad time.

"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," he said in a statement posted to the school's website.

Det Ch Insp Simon Blackwell said: "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."

He appealed for anyone with information to contact police.