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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Ellen Kirwin

Schoolboy with 'heart of gold' stabbed to death named locally

A schoolboy with a "heart of gold" who was stabbed to death in Skelmersdale has been named locally.

Dylan Bragger, 15, was pronounced dead at the scene, on Digmoor Road. Emergency services were called to the incident after reports of a stabbing but paramedics were unable to save the teenager.

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Lancashire police have confirmed that the boy's family are being supported by specially trained officers.

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Tributes have been paid to Dylan, who has been described as a "lovely lad." Taking to Facebook, Kelly Jo Buxton said: "RIP Dylan such a lovely lad."

John Hunter said: "The good do die Young rest in peace little Dylan I'm in total shock thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends. fly high me little mate." Rebeccah-Jayne Gaskell said: "Forever young, forever 15. May you rest in eternal peace Dylan.

"The whole of Skem has come to a stand still, my thoughts are with his parents, family and friends at this heart breaking time. Could never even begin to imagine what there going through."

Gillian Gallagher added: "So sad RIP Dylan, this should not be happening heart breaking." While Amy Lowe commented: "Rip Dylan you will forever be my best mate."

Tracy Riley said: "RIP Dylan, thoughts are with his family at this very sad time." A GoFundMe page has been set up by a friend of Dylan, a contributor Nikki Whitehead said: "Absolutely heartbroken. You shouldn't have been taken Dylan. Sleep tight."

One family friend told The Mirror today: "He was a lovely lad. He never failed to say 'hi' to me. He did have a heart of gold, [he was] so lovely. It's very sad, what's happened."

Since his death, a GoFundMe has been set up in memory of the teen. So far, more than £3,000 has been raised. You can donate here.

Inspector Simon Pritchard, of Lancashire Police said: "A murder investigation is underway following the death of a boy in Skelmersdale.

"These are very sad and tragic circumstances and my thoughts are with the victim’s family at this time. Whilst we have made an arrest we would continue to appeal to anyone with information, or who feels they can assist with our enquiries, to come forward.

"This happened near to a busy dual carriageway, so we’d ask drivers to check their dash cam footage and think back to any unusual activity they may recall from the area. It’s important we build a picture of the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

"We recognise this will have caused some concern in the community but please be reassured incidents of this nature are rare and we have a dedicated team of detectives working on the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log number 1526 of June 29th."

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