Emergency services swarmed to All Saints Catholic High School at around 12.17pm on Monday afternoon after 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose sustained “serious injuries” following the attack
The sister of a 15-year-old boy who was stabbed to death at a school in Sheffield said her “her heart is broken into a million pieces” following the tragic attack.
Emergency services swarmed to All Saints Catholic High School at around 12.17pm on Monday afternoon after Harvey Willgoose sustained “serious injuries” following the attack.He was rushed to hospital but despite efforts to save the schoolboy, he tragically died from his injuries just before 4pm. South Yorkshire Police confirmed a 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Harvey’s family and friends told of their heartbreak on Facebook hours after the shocking news emerged and urged others to hug their loved ones close.
His sister Sophie Goose wrote: “My heart is broken into a million pieces. I love you so much Harvey. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight cos I wish I could.” And a worried mum posted on X how her children had been left “sad and traumatised” after seeing the shocking incident at school.
She posted: “Still in absolute shock that my two oldest children witnessed the horrific events today.” She told how her daughter was warned to “get to safety” by an older child. And she said how later her children told her they wanted to help Harvey’s “mummy”.
“My thoughts are with the young blades family and my thanks to the older child who told my daughter to get to safety.” She said she spoke to one of her children but the other wasn’t allowed to turn her phone on, which she described as “utter madness under the circumstances”.
“So I knew he was OK, well safe at least. It was gone three before I spoke to my daughter and at that point found out her and her best friend had seen it…”
And she added: “It shouldn’t be that easy to waltz into school with a knife.” Others praised Harvey for having a “sweet heart” and “sweetest soul”.
“Today due to tragic events at All Saints School in Sheffield we lost an amazing young man called Harvey Wilgoose, only 15……he was such a bright, enthusiastic & energetic character who will be missed by many…” one said. The school is expected to remain closed for a few days as police forensics continue to look for evidence and quiz the boy arrested.
Pupils at the school have been offered counselling. The head, Sean Pender, told them: “Tomorrow, school will be closed for all students and further information sent out to you with any updates.
“We will ensure that there are counselling and support services available for any student and staff member directly affected by this tragic incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our student who we lost today and his family…” In a message to parents shortly after the awful news was announced, the headteacher wrote: “It is with immense shock and sorrow that I have to inform you that one of our students was fatally stabbed.”
It was the second time the school had been locked down in days. The All Saints head teacher had sent a message to parents on January 29th about a lockdown at the site.
In it, he said the action was due to “threatening behaviour between a small number of students”.
Shocked friends and local residents took to social media to talk about Harvey, with one saying: “A city numb from this afternoon’s news, questions need to be asked, punishments need to be raised for anyone using or carrying knives too many innocent lives are been taken.
“Harvey Willgoose fly high Blademan , a cruel world you’ve been taken far too soon lad far too soon. Thinking of all his mates and there’s plenty of you stay safe lads and to all his family I send love x.”
An All Saints pupil said the victim had been a “lovely lad” telling the BBC: “He would make your day better hearing him down that hallway. You didn’t have to personally know him to be upset,” the 17-year-old said.
“Teachers loved him, students loved him, everyone loved him.I’ve been at the school for seven years now and nothing like this has ever, ever happened.”
Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the boy who has sadly lost his life, his friends and the whole school community.
“We know that what has happened will cause significant distress and concern and our officers will remain on scene and in the local area to offer reassurance to parents, staff and local residents as our investigation continues.
“Although we are in the early stages of our enquiries, we are working at pace to build up a full picture of how this tragedy unfolded. We urge anyone with information that would assist us to get in touch.”