Leeds resident Matt Healy, who reached the MasterChef final in 2016, has spoken out on the death of Alfie Lewis. His daughter’s close friend Alfie, 15, was tragically stabbed to death during school hours. He was rushed to hospital but despite the efforts of doctors, sadly died of his injuries. Now, the MasterChef star has paid tribute.
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Alfie Lewis was stabbed near Horsforth School, Leeds
Alfie Lewis, 15, was stabbed to death near Horsforth School, Leeds, on Tuesday, just before 3 pm. He was close with Matt’s daughter as they were in the same group of friends at school.
It is believed that Alfie was stabbed in the chest three times before he was rushed to hospital, and died of his injuries. A teenage male has been arrested in connection with the incident. The investigation continues.
Reports say Alfie was picking up a child from St Margaret’s Primary School in Town Lane and teachers carried out CPR. The school told parents there was a “distressing” incident involving a former pupil.
MasterChef star pays tribute
Matt said that Alfie’s death is “absolutely shocking.” He added, as per Mirror, This is such a sleepy and lovely town. I work in the nighttime industry and there’s never even a bad word said to anyone.”
“It’s difficult to put into words because 15 is no age. My daughter’s very close friends with Alfie. They’re bright kids and there’s a massive group of them who all hang around together,” Matt continued.
The MasterChef star added: “He cared for his friends. It’s worrying and shocking but most of all it’s sad. You worry about your kids all the time. It’s shocking to see knife crime come to a town like this.”
Matt found it “tough” to console his daughter after her friend was stabbed. “It’s shocking to see knife crime come to a town like this. It’s now on everyone’s radar. Before ignorance was bliss,” he said.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Alfie Lewis who was tragically killed in Horsforth.
We are in touch with both Horsforth School and Leeds City College to offer support to those communities at this awful time.
— Gillian Keegan MP (@GillianKeegan) November 8, 2023
Matt Healy on MasterChef
Matt Healy was on MasterChef: The Professionals in 2016. He reached the final, becoming the runner-up of series 9, and is now the owner of Forde Restaurant in Horsforth.
He made it onto the sought-after list alongside London greats Honey & Co, Cord, and Planque. MasterChef’s Marcus Wareing famously described Matt’s sauces as “some of the best he had ever tasted”.
Since then, his restaurant, tucked away in north-west Leeds, has earned itself a place on the Michelin guide for December 2022. He opened the eatery early last year after finding fame on the BBC series.
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