The family of a 15-year-old boy who was fatally stabbed at a Sheffield school have described him as a “best friend to all”.
Harvey Willgoose died after suffering serious injuries on Monday at All Saints Catholic high school on the outskirts of the city centre.
Another 15-year-old boy is in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder, South Yorkshire police said.
In a statement issued through the force, Harvey’s family said: “We are utterly heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful boy, ‘Harvey Goose’.
“Our lives are devastated and will never be the same again.
“We have lost a beloved son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew and, most importantly, a best friend to all.
“Harvey will be forever known for being a caring, loving and funny young man.
“At this difficult time, we ask you to please respect our privacy as we grieve as a family.”
In an earlier tribute posted on TikTok, Caroline Willgoose showed pictures of her son overlaid with the song Million Dollar Baby by Tommy Richman. She wrote: “My Harvey … Life is never gunner be the same love you so much.”
The images included Harvey having fun with her, dressed up in a smart shirt and going to a festival. A second video posted on the social media app to her 56,000 followers showed pictures of Harvey with her when he was younger. Willgoose’s videos included Harvey on holiday in Tenerife and Greece last year.
His sister Sophie also posted a tribute on Facebook, writing: “I love you so much Harvey. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight cos I wish I could.”
Officers were called to the school on Granville Road at about 12.15pm on Monday after reports of a stabbing, and ambulance crews, including an air ambulance, were dispatched.
The school was in lockdown during the incident, in which police said Harvey was seriously injured and “despite the best efforts of medical personnel was sadly pronounced dead”.
Steve Davies, chief executive of the St Clare Catholic Multi Academy Trust which runs the secondary school, said in a statement: “Harvey was an invaluable part of our school community.
“An immensely popular young man with his fellow students and teachers alike, he had a smile that would light up the room.
“Harvey was young. He was precious. He was loved.”
Shortly after, the assistant chief constable, Lindsey Butterfield, said police were aware it had caused “significant distress and concern” to local people and that “our officers will remain on scene and in the local area to offer reassurance to parents, staff and local residents as our investigation continues”.
A police presence at the scene continued on Tueday, where tributes had been laid. The school remained closed and staff said it was expected to reopen on Thursday.
Flowers were also left outside Sheffield United in memory of the boy, who was a fan of the club.
On Tuesday, South Yorkshire police said they were urging communities to avoid sharing online names they had heard in relation to the crime, as names began to trend on various social media sites, including TikTok.
On X, verified accounts and bots were sharing racist and anti-immigration posts within hours of the stabbing, including outlandish conspiracy theories.
South Yorkshire police said: “We are urging our communities to avoid online speculation and identifying anyone who they believe to be involved in the tragic incident at All Saints Catholic high school to ensure justice can be secured for the victim and his family.
“Identifying a suspect can prejudice court proceedings and risk a fair and accurate trial.
“At the heart of this devastation is a grieving family and they deserve respect and privacy during this difficult time.
“We will take action against anyone who poses a risk to proceedings. Please consider what you share online and the implications.”
