Heartbroken mum & sister read tributes on emotional visit to school where boy, 15, was knifed to death

THE heartbroken family of schoolboy Harvey Willgoose have laid tributes at the scene of the 15-year-old's death in Sheffield.

The tragic teenager was stabbed at All Saints Catholic School in Granville Road just after midday on Monday.

Mum Caroline and sister Sophie placed flowers and read emotional tributes during their visit this afternoon.

His family have now paid tribute to their "Harvey Goose".

A heartbreaking statement shared by South Yorkshire Police on behalf of the family read: "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.”

Horrified pupils watched on when he was knifed three times in a school courtyard yesterday.

Teachers raced to give emergency first aid as the school was put in
lockdown and an air ambulance flew in.

The lad was taken to hospital but he died soon after arrival.

A 15-year-old pupil was detained by police and taken into custody.

He was last night being quizzed on suspicion of murder.

The stabbing happened at 12.17pm as pupils moved between classes.

It was claimed the pair had exchanged threatening messages before the incident.

And it came after the school went into lockdown last Wednesday
after a pupil was alleged to have taken a blade in.

His sister Sophie said: "My heart is broken into a million pieces."

She posted on Facebook: "I love you so much Harvey... Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight cos I wish I could."

Harvey's grieving mother Caroline displayed photos of her son on TikTok and wrote: "No words."

One furious parent said: "How can the school have allowed this to happen today?"

In an update today, South Yorkshire Police warned communities "avoid online speculation" regarding the identity of the suspect.

A statement added: "At the heart of this devastation is a grieving family and they deserve respect and privacy during this difficult time."

Steve Davies, on behalf of All Saints Catholic High School, also paid tribute to Harvey.

He said: "Yesterday All Saints Catholic High School lost one of our own in the most shocking and tragic of circumstances.

"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.

"We are all struggling to process what has happened and our thoughts and prayers are with Harvey’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

"It is unimaginable to comprehend what they are going through and whilst there are no words that will take away the pain and grief from Harvey’s family and friends, I simply want to express, on behalf of the whole school community, our heartfelt condolences.

"A tragic and shocking incident such as this shakes us to our core and is the opposite of the ethos of what All Saints stands for - a loving, caring school community.

"We now need to focus on how we can support those grieving the loss of their precious family member, friend and student.

"We have been grateful for the number of other agencies and services who have reached out and, together with our wider Trust family of schools, we will do all we can to support leaders and staff at the school as they help their community to navigate through the days, weeks and months ahead.

"I understand and appreciate the upset and fear that families will be feeling at this time.

"All Saints has always been proud of the warmth, care and love that the school is known for. We will all need to draw on those qualities in rebuilding confidence.

"We are assisting the police in their ongoing investigation and echo their call to refrain from engaging in speculation and misinformation whilst they establish the facts behind this tragic incident."

Bishop Ralph Heskett, Bishop of Hallam, said: "Our prayers, and those of every parish and school, are with Harvey, his parents, family, and friends for a young life lost and all those affected by this tragedy.

"My thoughts are also with the students, staff and community of All Saints Catholic High School at this time.

"In God’s peace, and in God’s presence, we must come together as a community of faith to comfort each other.

"I will be asking all priests of the diocese to offer Mass for Harvey. St Marie's Cathedral is open for those wanting a place for private prayer and there will be a Mass at St Joseph's, Handsworth at 10.00 on Saturday 8th February for Harvey’s intention.

"We ask for the loving intercession of Our Lady of Perpetual Help to comfort all those in mourning."

Sheffield Heeley Labour MP Louise Haigh said: "Serious questions will have to be answered."

A fellow pupil paid tribute to the killed teenager.

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. Teachers loved him, students loved him, everyone loved him."

Describing the ordeal as "stressful"; one pupil, 14, spoke after returning to the scene with her mum to lay flowers.

She said she was kept in the hall for more than three hours as police swarmed in.

Talking as she stood next to her mum, she said: "Some people were in the sports hall, some people in different classrooms.

"It was the beginning of lunch about 12.10. We got kind of of bored in there, I was in the hall and it was so hot in there because all the radiators were on.

"It's hard to believe, it was stressful."

A neighbour of the victim, standing beside a shrine of flowers and
candles outside his family home, said: "He went to school this morning and has not come home.

"He always seemed to have a smile on his face. So sad."

Another neighbour said: "He and his dad were huge Sheffield United
fans. It is just too awful for words."

A Sheffield United Football Club spokesperson said: "All at Sheffield United were saddened to learn of the passing of Harvey, our deepest condolences are offered to his family and friends at this difficult time.

"We share the shock and distress of the community following this tragic incident and appreciate that discussions are underway with regards to tributes to remember Harvey."

South Yorkshire Police's Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield
said: "We know that what has happened will cause significant distress
and concern.

"Our officers will remain on scene and in the local area to offer reassurance to parents, staff and local residents as our
investigation continues."

South Yorkshire mayor Oliver Coppard said: "This morning a
teenage boy went to school like thousands of others across South Yorkshire but won't come home.

"A young man who was a member of our community, with his
whole life ahead of him.

"My love, my thoughts and my prayers are with his family and friends, and the whole community of All Saints Catholic High School."

PM Sir Keir Starmer said: "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.

"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."

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