Prime Minister pays tribute to teenager stabbed at Sheffield school
Last updated 4th Feb 2025
The Prime Minister says his thoughts are with the family and friends of a teenager who was stabbed to death at a Sheffield school.
The victim, named on social media as Harvey Willgoose, was stabbed at All Saints Catholic High School in Granville Road in the city at about 12.17pm on Monday.
South Yorkshire Police said a 15-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody.
Tributes poured in at the scene and on social media on Monday, with flowers, candles and balloons laid on a wall outside the school.
A student at All Saints Catholic High School who came to stand outside the school to pay tribute said it was "such a shock" to hear what had happened.
Others mourning the boy's death gathered outside Sheffield United's stadium in Bramall Lane.
Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield told a news conference on Monday afternoon: "We know that what has happened will cause significant distress and concern.
"I would like to reassure you 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.
"Although we are in the early stages of our inquiries, we are working at pace to build a full picture of how this tragedy has unfolded.
"We urge you to be mindful that there are loved ones at the centre of this and they are grieving the profound loss of a teenage boy in the most devastating of circumstances.
"We would therefore ask you to avoid speculation and the sharing of online content which could be distressing to them and detrimental to our investigation."
Police continued to urge people to avoid the area and said Granville Road remains closed from the tram stop to Fitzwalter Road.
Sir Keir Starmer, who was in Brussels at a dinner with EU leaders, said 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.
"Our schools should be places of safety and learning, not violence and fear. My Government is absolutely committed to tackling knife crime so young people are safe on our streets and in our schools.
"Tonight a young boy should be returning to the love and safety of his family.
"We stand and work together against the devastating consequences of knife crime, so no more families know this tragic loss."