A GRIEF-STRICKEN family have begged people to stop sharing photographs of a murdered teen in his coffin on WhatsApp.
"Disturbing" images of the late Loui Phillips are said to be circulating on social media just months after his killer was handed a life sentence.
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The family of murdered Loui Phillips have urged parents to check their kid's phones for the image Credit: MEN Media 2
Kyle Pickles, 17, was handed a life sentence after stabbing Loui to death in August 2021 Credit: MEN Media
The tragic 15-year-old was stabbed to death in August last year while riding his bike in Monk Bretton, South Yorks, by an older teen.
Kyle Pickles, 17, attacked the young Barnsley fan with such force that the handle of the knife broke, leaving the blade stuck in Loui's chest.
Loui was rushed to hospital but sadly died four days later after succumbing to his injuries from the "unprovoked attack".
Pickles was handed life imprisonment for the slaying in December 2021.
But Loui's devastated loved ones are now facing further anguish after teens began to spread a photo of the 15-year-old in his coffin on Snapchat and WhatsApp.
His family branded the sick incident "tormenting" while pleading with local parents to look at their kid's phones, Yorkshire Live reports.
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In a Facebook post shared over 300 times, they wrote: "Can Cudworth/Monk Breton/Shafton (every parent local) please check their children’s phones.
"They are passing a disturbing photo around of our Loui in his coffin. Our hearts hurt every day but this is tormenting."
Locals were left appalled that the picture was being distributed, branding the situation "disgusting".
One commented: "It's awful. That poor lad and his family too, it's really wrong, why kids would want that on their phone?"
Another added: "What is wrong with folk? It's disgusting."
While a third wrote: "Who would take a photo like that let alone share it with others?"
South Yorkshire Police are said to have been made aware of the incident.
FRESH HEARTACHE
Killer teen Pickles, from Barnsley, originally pleaded not guilty to murder before changing his plea.
A court heard he had tracked down Loui and a girl using Snapchat before approaching him.
He then stabbed the 15-year-old in the heart over a "perceived relationship", before calmly walking away.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Oughton, who led the investigation, said at the time: "This is an incredibly tragic case where an innocent young boy was stabbed to death, simply because his attacker was jealous of a perceived relationship.
"Pickles located Loui and his friend... and purposely set out armed with a kitchen knife to go and stab him," he said.
Speaking after the sentencing Loui's heartbroken mother, Louise Hartley, said: "I miss Loui constantly.
"I miss the small moments like him wandering into the room to sit with me or ringing me to say he will be home soon when out with friends.
'THE WORLD AT HIS FEET'
"Loui had the world at his feet. He was young, good looking, and opportunities seemed to be opening up for him.
"He loved football and was excelling on the pitch. He had also recently started catering college," Louise continued.
“He was a very sociable boy and was quite the charmer with the girls. He never left the house without making sure that his hair was perfectly styled.
“It was Loui’s 16th birthday on 4 November, and I spent it by his graveside.
"I can no longer smile. I feel physically incapable of happiness. I would feel guilty to do so knowing that my Loui is not able to.
"I want my son here with me - I love him so much."
The devastated mum took the stand at Pickles' sentencing hearing, bravely telling him she hoped he would never be released.