Detectives last night arrested a man in connection with the murder of a teenage boy, found dead in an Oxford park.

Richard Jackson, 16, of Brassey Close, Chipping Norton, was found dead in Angel Meadow on Friday night. He was discovered lying face down in a puddle.

Yesterday, Oxford police travelled to Cardiff to arrest a 24-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

He is from the Oxford area. Last night, he was being questioned at St Aldate's police station.

Oxford police told the

Oxford Mail: "A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is helping police with their inquiries into the death of Richard Jackson. "At first, detectives thought Richard's death was not suspicious but further evidence came to light and this is now being treated as a murder inquiry."

Police added that the youngster's body was found fully clothed and there was nothing to suggest his death was sex-related.

Richard's parents told through the family solicitor this week how they were devastated by the loss of their son, who left home to live in the Oxford area.

Shortly before he died, he had been living at the Bridge Project, a centre for the homeless in Iffley Road.

Richard Graydon, the head- teacher of Chipping Norton School, where Richard was a pupil, said staff and pupils were extremely upset by the death of the "likeable boy."

The teenager's death has also come as a shock to Kevin Hood, the manager of Chipping Norton under-15 cricket side, who said Richard always gave 100 per cent for the team. Oxfordshire County Council spokesman John Mitchell said Richard was also a keen rugby player.

Oxford police are still appealing for information on 01865 266333.

Story date: Friday 05 February

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