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Oliver Stephens, 13, was ­knifed in the back of the neck in a field just 250 yards from his front door. Police were yesterday questioning five teenagers over his death. Four boys and a girl, all aged 13 and 14, have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and were in custody last night.

Oliver’s family were being comforted by police specialists after the horrific killing in upmarket Emmer Green, near Reading.

Police sought witnesses among the wider community in the stunned commuter belt village.

And Oliver’s sister Emilia yesterday vowed to “get justice” after the stabbing on Sunday.

Emilia has now paid tribute to her younger brother, saying: “I’m so sorry I failed you. I wish I could have saved you from it all. We will get justice for you my angel.”

In another post on social media site Instagram, Emilia said: “My baby bro, forever in my heart.”

She posted two touching images of Oliver alongside the post – including one of him as a baby.

Parents laying flowers at nearby Highdown School called the killing “utterly senseless” and said their children, who attended school with Oliver, were “devastated”.

Headteacher Rachel Cave said: “This student was part of our community and many students and staff knew him well.

“For a life to be ended at such a young age is a total tragedy.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Many have been deeply affected by this tragedy.”

Adding that the pandemic was preventing the school from grieving properly, she said: “In normal circumstances we would open the school and welcome in students for support before the start of the term.

“We are currently unable to do this of course but are arranging counselling support and will be establishing an electronic book of condolence.

“Highdown is a supportive and close-knit community. We will work together over the coming days and weeks.”

 Among the tributes, one card read: “Fly high Olly. Love you loads. Night night. We’re all going to miss you. Our angel Olly, gone way too soon. You didn’t deserve this. In my heart forever.”

Another read: “Dearest Olly. Taken way too soon. You were such a lovely lad. Loved by many. Sending love to your family at this sad time.”

Police believe that people may have witnessed the “dreadful incident” or may have seen the attackers, who they believe fled towards a housing estate.

The fields nearby are used extensively by dog walkers, who police have appealed to for information.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, head of Thames Valley Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “I would urge anyone who has any information that they believe is relevant to this investigation, no matter how small you think it is, to please get in touch.

“If you do have any images or footage I would ask that you please do not share it on social media, but instead report it to us.”

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