A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a 15-year-old boy in Guildford.

Officers were called to woodland off Lido Road in Stoke Park at 6.10pm on Monday, January 19, after reports of a stabbing.

South East Coast Ambulance Service and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service also attended but, despite the best efforts of emergency services and members of the public, the teenager died at the scene. His family have been informed and are being supported.

An investigation led by the Surrey and Sussex Police Major Crime Team is under way. No arrests have been made so far.

A police cordon remains in place around the wooded area known as Peacock Wood and Wild Wood Adventure, and at the end of the car park on Lido Road. Access remains available to the bowls clubs, Guilden Village student accommodation and Stoke Park. The A25 (Parkway) is unaffected, although a significant police presence is expected to remain for some time.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Andy Jenkins said: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim at this desperately sad time.

“I know there will be a lot of concern and speculation in the local community following the events of last night. I would like to reassure them that our officers are working around the clock to establish the circumstances of this tragic incident, gather as much evidence as possible, and identify and bring those responsible to justice.

“Our investigation is still in its early stages, and we are urgently looking to speak to anyone with any information that may assist our enquiries.

“Were you in the area around Lido Road, Parkway and Stoke Park between 6pm and 6.20pm on Monday, January 19? Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in the area or running from the woods around this time? Any piece of information you have, no matter how small, could be significant.”

In a Detective Chief Superintendent Debbie White said police received a report on Wednesday evening that the teenager had been stabbed in the area.

“Our heartfelt condolences remain with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time,” she said.

A murder investigation, led by the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, has now been launched.

“Although the circumstances of the boy’s death are not clear at this time, this is a fast-moving investigation and we are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry. We would ask that people do not speculate about what might have happened while we work through these enquiries,” added Det Ch Supt White.

Zöe Franklin, the Liberal Democrat MP for Guildford, said she was “devastated” following the death.

She said: “It is difficult to find words for this tragic news. I am devastated that someone so young has lost their life, and my heart goes out to the victim’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“Surrey Police, South East Coast Ambulance Service and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service all responded to the scene yesterday evening, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their speedy response. I have been in close contact with the police since I was informed early this morning.

“Surrey Police are urgently looking to speak to anyone who can help them with their enquiries, and I want to encourage everyone — if you have any information that you think could assist the police, it is really important that you make contact.

“People across Guildford will naturally be very shocked and shaken by what has happened. If anyone in the community who is affected by this incident would like a place to grieve or reflect, St John’s Church on Stoke Road is open from 2:30pm to 4:30pm and from 7:30pm to 9pm.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police quoting PR/45260006995 via webchat or the online reporting tool at surrey.police.uk, or by calling 101.

Those who do not wish to speak to police can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.