Murder victim identified – man charged

A body discovered in Ashley has been identified as that of 15-year-old Alex Rodda.

The body was discovered outside in Ashley Mill Lane shortly before 8 am on Friday 13 December.

Alex’s family are being supported by specialist officers.

Matthew Mason, 18, of Ollerton, nr Knutsford was arrested in Forton, Newport and has been charged with murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Mason appeared at Chester Crown Court via video link on Friday 21 February and entered a not guilty plea. A two-week trial date has been set for Monday 20 April at Chester Crown Court. 

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Blackwell, of Cheshire Constabulary’s Major Crime Directorate, said: “Our thoughts are with Alex’s family at this extremely difficult time.

“They are currently being supported by specialist officers and we request for their privacy to be respected. 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. Various enquiries are ongoing and we are appealing for anyone with any information or footage that may be relevant to our investigation to get in touch.”

Anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage that may help the investigation should call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 587226, give the details via https://www.cheshire.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.