Boy, 15, dies after being stabbed at school in Sheffield

Police have stated that a stabbing incident occurred at a school in Sheffield, resulting in the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy. The boy, locally identified as Harvey Willgoose, was attacked at All Saints Catholic High School on Granville Road at approximately 12:17 GMT. Police and paramedics responded swiftly to the scene, but unfortunately, the teenager passed away shortly after.

South Yorkshire Police reported that a 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. Assistant Chief Constable, Lindsey Butterfield, stated at a press conference that the police are “moving quickly to understand the full circumstances of what has taken place.” She added, “We would ask that people remember that at the heart of this is a family who have lost a loved one.” A significant police presence remained at the school and in the surrounding area following the incident.

All Saints Headteacher, Sean Pender, sent a message to parents on January 29th regarding a school lockdown. In his message, he stated that the lockdown was initiated due to “threatened behaviour between a small number of students.” When questioned about these reports at the press conference, ACC Butterfield stated she was unable to share any information. She concluded by urging the public to avoid speculation and refrain from sharing content online that “may cause them [the family] further distress and be detrimental to our investigation.”

Many flowers and messages of condolence were placed outside the school that evening. One message described the teenager as "the life of the party" who "brought joy and laughter to everyone who knew him," adding that his "bubbly personality was infectious." The message also read, "I'll never forget all the moments, all the laughs. You'll be missed by so many." A 17-year-old who knew the 15-year-old also left flowers outside the school. The 17-year-old, who attends a local college, learned of the news from friends and said the victim was a Sheffield United fan. He stated, "To be honest, I'm a bit upset, it's just shocking. He seemed like a happy person, a good person to be around."

A student from All Saints High School described the victim as a "lovely boy." The 17-year-old said, “Hearing him in the corridors would make your day better. You wouldn’t have to know him personally to be upset.” He added, “Teachers loved him, students loved him, everyone loved him. I’ve been at this school for seven years, nothing like this has ever happened.” The school was last inspected by Ofsted in October 2023 and received an overall rating of “good,” with inspectors noting a “strong ethos of warmth and respect.” Some parents arrived at the school earlier to pick up their children. One parent told the BBC they were eager to take their children home after hearing various rumors about the incident, adding that "the kids are all panicking." According to local newspaper The Star, the school's headteacher sent a message to parents on Monday stating he was "shocked and saddened" to inform them a student had been stabbed to death. He also indicated that the school would be closed on Tuesday.

Aman Ahmed, head of the nearby Castle Asian Community Trust, stated that the area is no stranger to knife crime. The organization works to help young people stay away from knives. He expressed concern that the boy's death might make parents hesitant to send their children back to school. He added, “If this can happen in a public place like a school, I think people will be worried about going to the park as well.”

During a visit to Brussels, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said his first thoughts "as a father" were with the victim's family when asked about the incident. He said, "This appalling stabbing in Sheffield, I think the whole nation will send its condolences to the family, to the friends, to the school and to the whole community in their grief." Louise Haigh, MP for Sheffield Heeley, said the news was "devastating" and her thoughts were with everyone affected. She stated, "There are serious questions that need to be answered about how this happened," adding that she would be working with the school, police, and council "to ensure that they are."

Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson, said she was "deeply saddened" by the boy's death. She added, "We are in contact with the school and the council to provide support." Education Minister, Catherine McKinnell, made an emotional statement in the House of Commons, saying, "My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire school community at this very distressing time." South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard, stated that he had spoken to the county's Chief Constable, Lauren Poultney, and offered her his full support. He said, "A teenage boy went to school this morning, like thousands of other children across South Yorkshire, and he's not coming home; a young person, part of our community, who should have had a life full of hope."

Anthony Olaseinde, a Sheffield-based anti-knife crime campaigner for the charity "There is Always Another Option," said the incident was "heartbreaking." He stated, "This should not be happening." He said the charity had previously held events at All Saints High School and worked with young people at the school. He said, "I've been in the school mentoring them. We've done conflict management sessions. We've made a short film with the young people at the school to raise awareness about knife crime. The young people were very engaged and proactive." He called for better support and resources for organizations working with young people.