Harehills hosts first public conversation over street violence

The family of murdered Leeds schoolboy Alfie Lewis have joined forces with public and community leaders to help shape a new strategy to tackle serious violence.

In a powerful show of unity this week, Alfie’s aunt Mechelle Lewis stood shoulder to shoulder with the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Alison Lowe OBE, as Harehills hosted the first in a series of public conversations.

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

Speaking at the Shine community space on Wednesday (23 July), Mechelle delivered a powerful and emotional address to the audience urging attendees to turn grief into action.

Mechelle Lewis said:  “Alfie was a beautiful boy. He would light up a room – always dancing, or singing, or rapping.

“He’d just started on his journey through life when he was tragically taken from us. But we can’t allow his life to have been taken in vain.

“We stand here not just in grief, but in determination. Alfie’s life was stolen, but his story must spark change.

“We are supporting this serious violence consultation, and are working alongside The Mayor and community, united with a voice and with conviction to make a change.”

As part of the day Mechelle also introduced Alfie: Forever 15 – a trauma-informed, creative intervention developed with Leeds-based Redbobble Arts.

Supported by West Yorkshire Police and the Combined Authority, the project will use immersive performance, film, and music created by Alfie’s peers to engage students and raise awareness of the consequences of knife crime.

Hosted by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority the event brought together local organisations, residents, community leaders and campaigners for open discussion, collaboration, and co-creation.

Alison Lowe OBE, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime and former Armley councillor, said: “Tackling serious violence is one of our highest priorities.

“This event was both brilliant and deeply moving. It gave us the chance to bring partners and the public together as we work towards real and lasting change.

“This consultation is about listening to the people and communities most affected. Every voice matters.

“I urge everyone to get involved — whether online or in person at future events — and help us build a safer, brighter West Yorkshire.”

Lee Berry, Director of the West Yorkshire Violence Reduction Partnership, Detective Chief Superintendent  said:  “Hearing Alfie’s story brought home exactly why this work is so important. Tragedy must lead to change.

“The value of this consultation lies in hearing directly from our communities – their voices, their experiences, and their ideas.

“We can then shape a strategy to make sure we are addressing the issues identified by our communities, to stem that tide of serious violence.”

Attendees included public sector agencies, charities, youth workers, educators, and campaigners, all focused on building a safer West Yorkshire through shared insight and action.

Angela Everson, Chief Executive of WomenCentre, an attendee on the day, said: “What I take from today is hope. Hope that we’re finally addressing serious violence in its fullest sense – from knife crime to domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

“Alfie’s story reminded us that real stories move people to act.

“We’re not building a strategy that’s done to communities, but with them. This is your chance to be heard, to lead, and to protect future generations.”

• As part of this major consultation, a series of community events will continue across West Yorkshire and there is also an online survey, open until Tuesday 30 September 2025.