Man, 18, arrested on suspicion of 'savage and brutal' murder of Jordan Watson

Police appealing for help from public after 14-year-old Jordan was revealed to have died from multiple wounds to his head and neck

An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the “savage and brutal” murder of a boy found dead in a cemetery.

Jordan Watson, 14, was discovered in a secluded part of Upperby cemetery, next to St John the Baptist church in Manor Road Carlisle, Cumbria, by a member of the public at about 7.45am on Tuesday, police said. He was described by friends and family as a cheeky, good-humoured boy.

A postmortem examination revealed that the teenager, from Ridley Road in the city, died from multiple wounds to the head and neck caused by a sharp implement, which has yet to be recovered.

Detective Superintendent Andrew Slattery, who is leading the investigation, said at a press conference on Wednesday: “At 10.39am this morning, an 18-year-old man from Carlisle was arrested on suspicion of Jordan’s murder. However, this is one line of inquiry and the investigation is ongoing. We are keeping an open mind about the motive and why indeed this crime took place.”

Slattery said that Jordan was subjected to a “savage and brutal” attack, that had shocked officers working on the case. He was last seen close to his home at 11pm on Monday by a friend.

Slattery appealed for help from the public, particularly anyone who saw or heard anything unusual in the area, or saw Jordan on Monday. He was described as 5ft, of slim build and with brown hair. He was wearing a grey and blue hooded top, black Adidas T-shirt, grey tracksuit bottoms and grey Nike trainers.

Assistant Chief Constable Darren Martland said: “Our thoughts are very much with Jordan’s family at this tragic time.”

Outside the cemetery, which remained closed on Wednesday as police continued their examinations, his friend Lauren Blakey, 16, left a floral tribute.

She said: “He was such a kind-hearted boy. I can’t believe it. I just keep thinking he is going to come round the corner, bouncing and lively. Everyone loved him. He was easy to get on with.

“You don’t expect this sort of thing to happen in Carlisle. He did not to deserve to die.”

On a Facebook page set up in tribute to Jordan, and encouraging people to light lanterns in memory of him at a memorial event on Saturday, Lisa Patterson wrote: “R.I.P my little angel nephew ... Gone for us but never forgotten ... Your cheeky smile and laugh will live in our hearts forever !! Xxx love auntie Lisa xxxxxx”

Another message, from Deggy Gee, read: “All ways [sic] remember your cheekiness and how funny you were rip Jordan Watson love from your uncle Deggy g xxxxxxx”

The Facebook page also says there is a collection to help his family pay for a headstone.

Slattery said that Jordan’s family are being offered support by a family liaison officer.

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