A 15-year-old boy has died after a reported stabbing near a school in Leeds.

Emergency services were called to Town Street in Horsforth, near St Margaret's Primary School, around 3pm this afternoon.

The boy was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but it was later confirmed that he had died.

Another teenage boy has been arrested as police launch a murder investigation.

DCI 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 have on the community locally.

“Our neighbourhood police team are working with partners, including schools in the area to offer support and reassurance.

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

Paul Bell, headteacher at Horsforth school, reportedly said in a message to parents that the victim was a former pupil.

He was quoted saying: “Our thoughts and sympathies lie with his family at this time while the student is receiving medical treatment.

“We are aware of the distress and upset this has caused students and staff who know the student.”

A parent at the school added: “It’s horrible. It’s shocking because it’s a nice area … I just keep thinking about the parents. He probably went out this morning and they were expecting him to come home, and he’s not there.”

Police cordons remain in place in the area while forensic examinations take place.