Family of murdered schoolboy join forces with Mayor to tackle serious violence

Monday 21 July, 2025

Family of murdered schoolboy joins Mayor to tackle serious violence across West Yorkshire 

The family of Alfie Lewis have joined forces with the West Yorkshire Mayor, Tracy Brabin in her mission to combat serious violence across the region. 

Fifteen-year-old Alfie was fatally stabbed in Horsforth on 7 November 2023. 

His aunt, Mechelle Lewis, is now calling for change and is supporting the Mayor in a major consultation to tackle the issue. 

On Wednesday 23rd July, Harehills will host the first in a series of district-wide events featuring powerful personal stories, workshops, and discussions. 

Communities are invited to share their views, experiences, ideas, and solutions to help shape a new strategy that will tackle serious violence. 

As part of this work, Mechelle Lewis is collaborating with Leeds-based Redbobble Arts on Alfie: Forever 15 - a trauma-informed, multi-arts intervention co-created with Alfie’s family.  

Drawing on Alfie’s story, the project combines immersive performance, film, and music created by Alfie’s friends to engage students in schools and colleges.  

With the aim of reducing knife carrying and preventing youth knife crime, Alfie: Forever 15 is supported by West Yorkshire Police and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority. 

Alfie's Aunt, Mechelle Lewis said a single vision is crucial:  

“We are supporting this serious violence consultation, as families should never have to experience such trauma and heartbreak.  

“When Alfie was murdered, not only did our worlds change forever, but so did the lives of all those who witnessed it. The ripple effect reached far beyond those in and around Horsforth that fateful day. As with all serious violence, it destroys, and it decimates. 

“We are left behind with broken hearts and eternal immeasurable pain. Alfie was taken from us so cruelly and that we cannot change; but we can stand together, united with a voice and with conviction to make a change. 

“So, we are working alongside The Mayor and community, with a call to do exactly that, make changes. Together and unified, we Rise, Reshape and Re-builld. The new 3 rs for our education prevention intervention. We will not allow Alfie’s life to have been taken in vain!" 

From knife crime and gang culture to violence against women and girls, the community events aim to capture the full spectrum of concerns linked to serious violence. 

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, said: 

“Tackling serious violence is one of my top priorities and I want to thank Alfie’s family from the bottom of my heart for their bravery in sharing their experiences. 

“It’s a heartbreaking reminder of what’s at stake, and their voice is such a powerful force in helping to drive real, lasting change. 

“But we can’t do it alone. Please get involved, either online or in person and help make a safer, brighter future for West Yorkshire.” 

Get involved   

Your Voice: Take part in our survey, share your views and find event details.  

Join the conversation: Keep an eye on our social media channels and #TellTracy