The heartbroken family of a pupil stabbed to death at a Sheffield school say their lives are “never going to be the same”.
Tributes were paid to Harvey Willgoose, 15, after officers were called to the scene of the attack at All Saints Catholic High School in Granville Road at 12:17pm on Monday.
Harvey suffered serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital, before he was pronounced dead later that afternoon.
Friends, family and members of the shocked local community gathered at a vigil in Sheffield on Monday evening and paid tribute to the boy on social media.
His sister, Sophie, wrote on Facebook: “My heart is broken into a million pieces. I love you so much Harvey. Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight because I wish I could.”
His mother Caroline posted a TikTok video with pictures of the pair on holiday together and a montage of Harvey growing up.
She said: “Our Harvey. No words. Why, why why? Love you always my baby boy.
“Life is never going to be the same.”
Another friend remembered sleepovers over the summer with the young Sheffield United fan and his sister, posting: “Harvey you will be forever remembered.
“You’ll be up there laughing, telling us all to stop being daft, and being the lad that you are but just know how much you’re going to be missed and how loved you are.
“We love you Harvey Willgoose, shine bright up there mate.”
Former England and Yorkshire cricket captain Michael Vaughan posted a tribute to the teen on X, formerly Twitter: “RIP Harvey Willgoose … Cant quite believe what has happened at a Sheffield school.”
The school was placed into lockdown following the incident, with pupils later allowed to leave in small groups.
Headteacher Sean Pender wrote to parents: “It is with immense shock and sorrow that I have to inform you that one of our students was fatally stabbed.
“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.
“We are currently working with the police as part of their investigation into this fatality. Our thoughts and prayers are with our student who we lost today and his family. Please remember them and our whole school community in your thoughts and prayers.”
The high school was placed in lockdown on Wednesday after it was alleged a pupil had brought a knife into lessons.
Sir Keir Starmer, who was at a dinner with EU leaders in Brussels, said on Monday evening his “heart goes out” to the family of the victim.
In a statement, the prime minister said: “It is horrific and senseless news that a boy has died after a stabbing in Sheffield.
“I am deeply grateful to the first responders, the police officers and the medical staff who are offering support and reassurance.
“My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the boy, the staff and students at the school and the entire community of Sheffield.”
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody, South Yorkshire Police said.
Floral tributes, candles and balloons were laid on a wall outside the school on Monday, with a note left calling the victim the “life of the party” with a “bubbly personality”.
“You’ll be missed by many. You beautiful boy. Forever 15,” the note read.
An All Saints Catholic High School pupil paid tribute to the teenager outside the school.
The 17-year-old said: “He was such a lovely lad, he was cheeky, but was lovely. He would make your day better hearing him down that hallway. You didn’t have to personally know him to be upset.
“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.”
Police continue to urge people to avoid the area and Granville Road remains closed from the tram stop to Fitzwalter Road.
Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh called the incident, which happened in her constituency, “horrific news”.
The Labour MP posted to Facebook: “A criminal investigation will now obviously take place, but serious questions will have to be answered about how this could have happened and I will be working with the school, the police and the council to make sure they are.”
