Parbold murder probe: 17-year-old set to appear in court today charged with killing teenager

The 17-year-old, from Chorley, is due to appear before Preston magistrates today (Monday) after the body of Alex Davies, from Skelmersdale, was discovered by a walker in a wooded area off Parbold Hill at around 5.25pm on Wednesday.

He had last been seen in Station Road, Parbold, on Monday afternoon and was reported missing the following day.

He had been attacked so brutally that police were initially unsure of the victim's gender or age. A subsequent post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as stab wounds and asphyxiation, police said.

On Friday, the 17-year-old, who cannot be identified, was arrested in connection with Alex's death, and was charged with murder yesterday after a weekend of questioning by detectives.

The family of Alex have been informed and are being supported by family liaison officers.

Det Ch Insp Geoff Hurst, of Lancashire Police’s Force Major investigation Team (FMIT) said: “My thoughts and the thoughts of every member of the team that have worked on this inquiry are with Alex’s family and friends at this exceptionally tragic and difficult time. “I am aware of the huge impact this crime has had on the community of Parbold, but I am heartened at the way that same community has pulled together and been so respectful to Alex, his family and to my officers who have been out trying to find the evidence that we need. “While a youth has been charged our enquiries will still continue in the Parbold and Chorley areas and I would urge you to continue supporting the investigating officers. “If you have any information that you think may be relevant, no matter how small, please let us know by calling 101 quoting log reference 0460 of May 3 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Alternatively you can submit information through the major crime web portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/0401020119S01-PO1