Sheffield school stabbing: 15-year-old teenager charged with the murder of Harvey Willgoose

A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder after teenager Harvey Willgoose was stabbed to death at a school in Sheffield.

Willgoose died after being stabbed at All Saints Catholic High School on Monday afternoon.

It comes after his family paid tribute to him, saying they are "utterly heartbroken".

The family visited the school on Granville Road, Sheffield, on Tuesday, saying afterwards he was a "caring and funny young man" and that they were "devastated".

Last week, the school had gone into lockdown when there were “threats of violence” between pupils, parents were told on January, 29th.

The Attack

Police officers and paramedics were called to an incident at the school on Granville Road in the city at 12.17pm on Monday. South Yorkshire Police said the victim died shortly afterwards.

On Wednesday, Chris Hartley, deputy chief crown prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service Yorkshire and Humberside, confirmed that a boy had been charged over Willgoose’s murder.

He said: "We have authorised South Yorkshire Police to charge a 15-year-old with murder in relation to the death of Harvey Willgoose, 15, at All Saints Catholic High School on 3 February. He has also been charged with possession of a bladed article and one count of affray."

The school was placed into lockdown on 29 January because of "threatening behaviour between a small number of students".

In a press conference on Monday, South Yorkshire Police said it could not comment on the report of a previous incident.

Police also urged people not to speculate about the identity of the teenager arrested, warning: “Identifying a suspect can prejudice court proceedings and risk a fair and accurate trial.

A heartbroken mother

Harvey’s mother Caroline and other family members visited the school where flowers, balloons and cards have been left for the popular pupil.

The family said in a statement: "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."

The trust which runs the school said Harvey was “precious” and “loved”.

Earlier, his mother posted a TikTok video to her 56,000 followers with the caption "our Harvey, no words", adding that "life is never gunner be the same. Love you so much".

Harvey's sister, Sophie, posted on Facebook: "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."

One student, a 17-year-old, said the school's "lockdown alarm" went off after the incident, and that doors were locked and blinds closed by teachers, which he described as "crazy". He also said that “Harvey 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.”

One girl said: “He was one the sweetest souls and he lit up every room. I will never forget him and all the funny comments he would make. He was loved by so many and will be really missed.”

Tributes have been paid at the scene, with candles, flowers and balloons laid on a wall outside the school.

One note left with flowers called him the “life of the party” with a “bubbly personality”. The note read: “You’ll be missed by many. You beautiful boy. Forever 15."

Another card left at the scene said Harvey "brought joy and laughter to everyone who knew him."

Others mourning his death gathered on Monday evening outside Bramall Lane, the Sheffield United stadium.

A 17-year-old said Harvey was a fan of the club. “I’m a bit upset to be honest, it came as such a shock," he said. “He seemed quite a happy guy and a nice guy to be around.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up in memory of Harvey on behalf of knife crime prevention charity The Ben Kinsella Trust to raise awareness of the issue.

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