Viewers react to ITV2 documentary on the tragic murder of Cheshire teen Alex Rodda
'The Murder of Alex Rodda: Social Media Murders' told the story of the 15-year-old schoolboy, who was murdered in 2019 by a man who groomed him online.
Viewers have been reacting after watching the latest episode of ITV2’s documentary series Social Media Murders.
ITV2’s Social Media Murders is a three-part documentary series that’s seeking to provide a “compelling yet cautionary insight” into the experiences of young people affected by disturbing 21st century crime.
Each episode in the harrowing series puts the victim at the centre of the narrative.
The stories of their murders are then told alongside material obtained from social media accounts and mobile phones – which aims to “immerse viewers in the events as they unfolded”.
His partially-clothed body was discovered by a team of refuse collectors.
Twitter was filled with reactions to the “heartbreaking” watch during and after the documentary aired last night.
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“Sobbing watching #TheMurderOfAlexRodda what a tragic loss. His family seem so lovely. His dad and brother had me crying. Rest in peace Alex,” one tweet read.
Another said: “I’m close to tears there’s such horrific people in the world.”
This is absolutely heartbreaking to watch & listen to. These programmes need to be watched by young people so they can understand some of the dangers. My thoughts go to all Alex’s family & friends. May he RIP 🙏#TheMurderOfAlexRodda#socialmediamurders
Another person tweeted their reaction to the documentary, saying: “I remember this – happened so close to home – so so heartbreaking.”
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“This is absolutely heartbreaking to watch and listen to. These programmes need to be watched by young people so they can understand some of the dangers. My thoughts go to all Alex’s family and friends. May he RIP,” another tweet read.
Just watched #themurderofalexrodda & cannot understand such a senseless murder. Have to say though, Alex’s friends are absolutely incredible : In that respect he was a very lucky lad. Feel for them all.
Another cautionary tweet read: “Watching the documentary about Alex Rodda, it’s so heartbreaking. This boys life was cut short because of an evil monster that took advantage. Please be safe online, don’t meet someone you don’t know especially on your own.”
“It really does open your eyes to the dark side of social media,” another said.
“Just watched The Murder Of Alex Rodda on catch-up, absolutely heartbreaking. What an awful thing to do. Rest in peace,” another tweet read.
Watching the documentary about Alex Rodda, it's so heartbreaking. This boys life was cut short because of an evil monster that took advantage. Please be safe online, don't meet someone you don't know especially on your own #SocialMediaMurders#AlexRodda
Matthew Mason – then 18, and from Knutsford – struck up a secret relationship with Alex online, and soon began sending him explicit images before things turned sexual, and The Murder of Alex Rodda: Social Media Murders highlighted how these texts and messages on social media allowed Mason and Alex to first connect.
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Speaking on the programme, one of Alex’s friends explained how social media played a huge part in Mason and Alex’s relationship, as they were in different years at school.
Keri Nixon – a Forensic Psychologist – also told the programme: “Once the conversation develops on Facebook, Mason takes it to Snapchat. He’s sending images of himself through a platform that will then delete that information, so it almost gives him a sense of confidence that he’s not going to be found out.
“Alex is obviously media-savvy so he saves copies.
“It catapults relationships into a sexual relationship very quickly because they feel safe to engage in that through social media.”
Worried that his sexual interactions with Alex – who was under the legal age of consent – would be uncovered, Mason paid Alex almost £2,000 in cash to conceal the relationship, but when Mason, who had a girlfriend, feared Alex would go public, he lured him to his death in a woodland near Altrincham
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Matthew Mason – now 20, and from Knutsford – denied the murder, but was found guilty of beating the teenager to death with a metal wrench, and was originally sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 28 years.
His sentence was later reduced to 26 years following an appeal.
Featured Image – ITV Hub
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Manchester United reportedly leading the race for Matheus Cunha after multiple ‘hints’
Danny Jones
Manchester United may have come crashing back down to reality after their 1-0 loss at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, but they may have left with a consolation prize as multiple so-called ‘hints’ and the latest transfer rumours have it that Matheus Cunha is in their sights.
Cunha has been one of the best players in a struggling Wolves side over the past couple of seasons and was one of the most effective on the pitch once again as the visitors did the double over Man United for the first time since 1979/80.
It may have been an impressive free kick from Pablo Sarabia that got Vitor Pereira’s squad over the line after the home team missed a number of chances in front of goal, but many fans felt it was somewhat of a second audition for Cunha, who scored and assisted for both goals in the reverse fixture.
Notwithstanding his latest performance, if you’re inclined to believe the latest transfer rumblings from reliable sources such as Fabrizio Romano and The Athletic, it sounds like United are pushing hard for Matheus Cunha already and that the signs are looking promising.
Manchester United hold positive contract talks on Matheus Cunha.
Wolves want £62.5m release clause paying in full, but open to instalments.
Ruben Amorim + #MUFC execs aligned on target for No 10 position.
Even prior to Stockport-born United journalist Laurie Whitwell’s report on Tuesday morning, numerous outlets were quick to hop on what is becoming an increasingly intriguing saga.
Transfer expert Romano had already claimed that there were “good feelings” following early contact between the two clubs, noting that discussions around personal terms are underway with United fully aware that Cunha will have plenty of suitors given his relatively reasonable release clause in this climate.
Speaking on his YouTube Channel, the Italian reporter went on to insist that the club are now leading the race and pushing hard to get a deal done early, adding that a source has told him there “great connection” between all interested parties.
Cunha, 25, was also at the centre of a mini media storm of his own making earlier this month too, after sharing an Instagram post which read: “Time to be happy. I will follow my dreams and yours… So stay cool.” It was deleted shortly after.
Romano also went on to state that “the feeling between Matheus Cunha and Ruben Amorim is excellent”, with supporters from both clubs spotting that the fellow Portuguese speaker was quick to put his arm around the Wolves number 10 once again after the full-time whistle.
• 26 Dec 2024 Amorim and Cunha at full-time
• Today Amorim and Cunha at half-time
I'm telling you now that we're signing Cunha this summer. Couldn't be more obvious that Amorim likes him. 👀😁 pic.twitter.com/LeKESZPSQS
Whether or not the Man United head coach was putting in his own additional effort to try and tap up Cunha or at least bend his ear on the situation, only time will tell, but it seems with the microscope fully on the Brazilian attacking midfielder, virtually everything he does is being closely scrutinised.
For instance, other eagle-eyed fans noticed that the former Red Bull Leipzig star and Olympic gold medallist did something rather intriguing when walking out onto the pitch at Old Trafford before kick-off this past weekend.
Make of that what you will…
The fact that he was spotted not just waving and acknowledging supporters both before and after the game, but even stopping to take pictures outside Old Trafford, has also added fuel to the fire.
All evidence appears to point towards transfer and player contract talks already progressing, even if they are still in their early stages, and there seems to be a belief that Cunha himself would be keen on the move, especially with Wolves lingering just above the drop zone.
At the very least, it’s clear that there will need to be outgoings in order for Man United to undergo any real activity in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The question is, would you like to see Cunha swap ‘old gold’ for red?
You can watch the highlights from the defeat at Old Trafford down here.
Kevin De Bruyne reveals he wasn’t offered a new contract by Manchester City
Danny Jones
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne has revealed he wasn’t offered a new contract by the club before making the decision to leave at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old is preparing to leave the Etihad after more than a decade, following the conclusion of the current 2024/25 campaign, announcing the decision earlier this month.
It goes without saying that the Belgian playmaker isn’t just a fan favourite and club legend but one of the most revered players in European football, let alone England, having been transformational both for the Blues and the Premier League.
Although his exit hasn’t come as a complete shock, given his age and increasing injury problems, De Bruyne himself has confessed that he was “a bit surprised” not to be offered a new contract by Man City whatsoever over the past year.
Kevin De Bruyne has revealed his shock at not being offered a new contract with Man City and has not ruled out joining another Premier League club 📝 pic.twitter.com/ymUDaI4CvJ
As per multiple outlets, KDB shared the revelation during his post-match media duties after the Everton game on Saturday, revealing: “I didn’t have any offer from them the whole year and City made a decision. Obviously, I was a bit surprised but have to accept it.”
Despite a firm belief that he “can still perform” at this level (one most would wholeheartedly agree with him on), he assured he understood the club’s thinking and even admitted that it was “more of a relief” knowing that he was the first to learn that news and could announce his departure on his own.
Insisting that he’ll still be giving everything to help the team win in their remaining games this season, he went on to detail that the decision has been made “because the whole team has struggled.”
“Maybe if the team didn’t struggle and I came back like I did this year and bedded in like normal, then maybe they would take another decision”, he added, arguing that he’s playing with much more rhythm and confidence post-injury.
After all, he was the difference once again in the remarkable comeback against Crystal Palace.
De Bruyne has made it clear he’d be more than happy to stay in the Premier League.
Although he wouldn’t go into too much detail on the conversations, he reiterated, “I can’t really say what they think on the inside […] I have to accept the situation even though I feel like I can still do a good job, but that’s it.”
Despite many fans coming to terms with the difficult choice made by the club, many supporters still believe it is an oversight on CFG’s (City Football Group) part.
One social media user has nearly 5,000 likes and almost 400 comments on a post entitled: ‘A petition to make Manchester City apologise and offer Kevin De Bruyne a new contract’.
While not everyone is in agreement on the matter, there is clearly plenty of doubt, with the same account going on to add, “There’s no shame in admitting a mistake and offer[ing] Kevin De Bruyne a new 1-year contract. His influence in the dressing room, let alone on the pitch, remains of critical importance.”
It’s hard to gauge exactly what manager Pep Guardiola makes of all of it, either; apart from his farewell message included as part of the club statement confirming his contract expiry, this is pretty much all the Catalan coach has had to say on the matter thus far:
Emily Sergeant -
17th November 2021 
