The 14-year-old, who has not been named due to his age, blew a kiss to his parents who sat in front of the dock as he entered the courtroom at Leeds Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

He has been charged with murder in relation to the stabbing of schoolboy Alfie in the Horsforth area of the city on 7 November.

The youth has also been charged with possession of a knife.

Wearing a grey tracksuit and flanked by two dock officers, he confirmed his name, date of birth and address to the court clerk, who told him the alleged offences could only be dealt with at crown court.

Asked by the district judge if he understood what had happened during the three-minute hearing, the boy replied: "Yeah."

As he left the dock, the defendant's mother stood up and spoke to him, before starting to cry as he was led away.

He was remanded in custody until his appearance at Leeds Crown Court on Friday.

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West Yorkshire Police said they were called to reports of an assault just before 3pm on Tuesday.

Paramedics also attended and Alfie was taken to hospital in a critical condition, where he later died.

Alfie was a former pupil of Horsforth School, which is close to where he was attacked.

Tributes have been paid to him online and at a local church.

He was described as a "kind and thoughtful boy" on a GoFundMe page which has raised more than £14,000 so far.