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A schoolboy stabbed to death in a field near Reading has been photographed for the first time after the heartbreaking tragedy.
Police believe 13-year-old Oliver Stephens was attacked by two or three men, who fled the scene in Emmer Green, near Reading, Berkshire, after the stabbing on Sunday around 3.50pm.
Neighbors who lived next to the crime scene named Oliver as the victim and said he was a student at Highdown School.
A statement on the school website from Principal Rachel Cave confirms that the victim was a student.
It reads: “The Highdown community is reeling from the tragic news that a 13-year-old boy was stabbed in Emmer Green.
(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
“This student was part of our community and many students and staff knew him well.
“For a life to end at such a young age is a total tragedy.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Many have been deeply affected by this tragedy.
“Under normal circumstances, we would open the school and receive students for support before the start of the term.
Video not available
(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
“Currently we cannot do this, of course, but we are organizing the counseling support and will create an e-book of condolences.
“Highdown is a caring and close-knit community, we will work together for the next few days and weeks. Of course, we are working closely with the Thames Valley Police.”
The five teenagers, four boys and a girl, all between the ages of 13 and 14, and from Berkshire, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.
All five are currently in police custody.
Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, Chief of the Thames Valley Police Major Crimes Unit, said: “Our thoughts remain with Olly’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
(Image: Ian Vogler / Daily Mirror)
“I urge anyone with information that they think is relevant to this investigation, no matter how small you think it is, to get in touch.
“If you have any images or footage, I ask you not to share them on social media, but to inform us.
“You can make a report by calling 101 or online, quoting the reference 43210002635.
“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.”
Reading Local Police Area Commander Superintendent Nick John said: “This is a fast-paced investigation and I understand the concerns this will have caused in the local community.
“I would like to assure residents that officers are conducting a thorough investigation into this incident and that there will continue to be an increased police presence in the local area for the next few days.
“I would also like to thank the local community for their cooperation and support thus far and to encourage anyone with any questions or concerns to speak to the officers who are there to help and provide support.”
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