The family of teen stabbing victim Harvey Willgoose have said they are “broken” after the incident and led tributes for the 15-year-old. Tributes have flooded in from family, friends, the wider community and politicians for the 15-year-old who died after suffering severe injuries in the attack at All Saints High School in Sheffield on Monday February 3, reports Yorkshire Live.
His sister Sophie wrote: “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.” Another wrote: “Absolutely no words to this devastation. My heart absolutely breaks. RIP Harvey Willgoose I’m so sorry this has happened to you you really didn’t deserve this.”
A third added: “A city numb from this afternoons news, questions need to be ask, punishments need to be raised for anyone using or carrying knives too many innocent lives are been taken. Fly high Blademan, a cruel world you’ve been taken far too soon lad far too soon. Thinking of all his mates and there’s plenty of you stay safe lads and to all his family I send love.”
Someone else who knew Harvey also said: “My hearts broken for the young lads and lasses, I can’t get my head around it he was such a lovely lad always giving banter. Going to miss him.”
A pupil at the school, speaking with her mum’s permission, called Harvey “one of 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.”
A teenager who said he knew the 15-year-old left a bunch of flowers outside the school. The 17-year-old, who studies at a local college, heard the news through friends and said the boy who died was a fan of Sheffield United. He said: “I’m a bit upset to be honest, it came as such a shock. He seemed quite a happy guy and a nice guy to be around.”
Floral tributes, candles and balloons have been laid on a wall outside the school in memory of Harvey, a devoted Sheffield United fan. A note which was left with a bunch of flowers calls the boy the “life of the party” with a “bubbly personality”.
It adds: “You could always hear him from down a corridor. You’ll be missed by many. You beautiful boy. Forever 15.”
A year 13 student who came to stand outside the school to pay tribute to Harvey said it was “such a shock” to hear what had happened. 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.”
The teenager described the moment the “lockdown alarm” went off, the doors were locked and the blinds were closed by teachers, which he said was “crazy”. Police vehicles and an ambulance remain parked outside the school while crime scene officers work inside the building.
South Yorkshire Police confirmed a 15-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the incident, which saw the school placed on lockdown for the second time in a week.
Sir Keir Starmer has said his “heart goes out” to the family of a 15-year-old boy who died after being stabbed in Sheffield.
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. They are grieving the needless loss of a young life and the nation mourns with them.
“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.”
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said she was “devastated” after hearing the news of the fatal stabbing in Sheffield.
In a statement on X, Ms Phillipson wrote: “My heart goes out to his family, friends and the entire school community at this distressing time. We are in contact with the school and council to offer support. Investigations are now under way.”
The local force confirmed on February 3 that a 15-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield said: “Our thoughts are with the family of the boy who has sadly lost his life, his friends and the whole school community.
“We know that what has happened will cause significant distress and concern and 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 enquiries, we are working at pace to build up a full picture of how this tragedy unfolded. We urge anyone with information that would assist us to get in touch.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.