A teenager has been charged with murder after 15-year-old Alex Rodda was found dead in a Cheshire village.
Alex, from Knutsford, was discovered on Ashley Mill Lane in Ashley - just over the border from Hale in Trafford - on Friday morning (December 13).
In a statement released just before midnight on Sunday, Cheshire Police said Matthew Mason, 18, of Ollerton, near Knutsford, had been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.
He was arrested in Forton in Newport, Shropshire, at around noon on Friday, police said.
Mr Mason has been remanded in custody to appear at Crewe Magistrates’ Court on Monday (December 16).
Alex, who was in year 11 at Holmes Chapel High School, was described by his family as ‘loving, caring, kind and loyal’.
His loved ones are being supported by specially-trained officers.
Alex's mum earlier said: "Everybody loved Alex. He was caring and kind.
"I am heartbroken."
Detectives have yet to reveal how Alex, who worked part time at the Windmill Inn, died.
The full Cheshire Police statement read: "An 18-year-old man has been charged with murder following the discovery of a body in Ashley.
"Matthew Mason, of Ollerton, near Knutsford, was arrested in Forton, Newport, at around noon on Friday, December 13.
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"Approximately four hours before he was arrested a teenage boy’s body was discovered outside in Ashley Mill Lane, Ashley.
"The body has been identified as that of 15-year-old Alex Rodda.
"The family of the boy from the Knutsford area have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
"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, December 16."
The family's statement, released earlier on Saturday, read: "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."
Holmes Chapel head Denis Oliver said in a statement on the school's website: "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.
"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."
