D
etectives are investigating the tragic death of a “kind and loving” teenager in south west London.
Alfie Lawton, 15, was found unresponsive near to railway lines in Green Lane Recreation Ground, New Malden.
Police attended just before 7pm on Monday, February 8.
Despite efforts of members of the public who discovered him and paramedics, Alfie was pronounced dead a short time later.
His death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious. A post-mortem examination will be held.
Alfie’s parents, named locally as Joe and Sarah Lawton, have been informed. A friend said they are suffering “unimaginable pain”.
Organiser Terry Anderson wrote on the GoFundMe site: “Those of you who know Josh and Sarah Lawton will probably have heard their heart-breaking news that their 15-year-old boy suddenly passed away on Monday afternoon.
An online appeal to pay funeral costs has so far raised £8,000 in 24 hours
/ Terry Anderson / GoFundMe
“For me, and for others I am sure, the news hit like a dump truck. Old friends of mine suffering an unimaginable pain.
“Alfie was kind, loving and full of life. His only downfall was that he hogged the bathroom too much.”
His death is being treated as unexplained but not suspicious
/ Terry Anderson / GoFundMe
Debra O’Dowd commented: “We’ve never felt so much pain. Life will never be the same without you Alfie but you’ll always be forever in our thoughts. We love you so much and will miss you. Love from Nan and Steve.”
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Lily Pierce added: “He really was the most amazing boy ever. You should be so proud of how you raised him.”
The Metropolitan Police said its South West Local Investigations team want to hear from witnesses in or around Green Lane Recreation Ground on Monday and those who spoke to Alfie in the days before his death.
Anyone with information is asked to call detectives on 101, quoting ref CAD 5562/08FEB21, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Visit the Lawton family’s appeal page here.
