Leon so adored by his family

Leon Cudworth

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MYSTERY surrounds the death of a 15-year-old boy found dead in an Oldham alleyway on Saturday morning.

The family of Leon Cudworth spoke today of their shock as a postmortem examination failed to reveal the exact cause of his death..

Leon’s uncle, Damian Rodgers, said: “It was a massive shock for us all. He was adored by his mother and loved by all his family. He was very popular and very well-liked.”

Leon’s death has had a devastating effect on his mother Rebecca Rodgers, his father Mick Cudworth, his brother Dominic (21) and older sister Sammy.

A passerby found Leon’s body in an alley off Ripponden Road, Moorside just before 8am. The circumstances surrounding the Kingsland School pupil’s death remain unclear.

Chief Supt Chris Sykes said: “Further toxicology tests are required and his death remains unexplained.

“While there is nothing to suggest any wrongdoing, we cannot rule out any third-party involvement. We are continuing to fully investigate the circumstances.”

Leon’s friends visited the alley on Sunday to lay flowers and tributes and a Manchester City shirt — Leon’s favourite team.

Tributes have also flooded into Facebook from Leon’s close friends, all devastated by the news.

Chief Supt Sykes said: “We have increased our patrols in the area to offer reassurance to residents and would ask if anyone has any information or concerns that they come and speak to us. We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area into the early hours on Saturday.”