Heartbroken mom and sister of ‘murdered’ schoolboy Harvey Willgoose lay floral tributes at scene of 15-year-old’s dying at school playground

The heartbroken mother and sister of a 15-year-old boy knifed to death in a school playground visited the site today to lay floral tributes. 

Harvey Willgoose was rushed to hospital with ‘serious injuries’ after the attack at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield yesterday but died shortly before 4pm.

The teen was allegedly stabbed ‘three times’ in the playground and a boy, 15, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. 

In a heartbreaking message issued through South Yorkshire police, the family paid tribute to their ‘Harvey Goose’ as they said their lives ‘will never be the same again’.

They said: ‘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.’

His family are being supported by officers, while the 15-year-old remains in custody. A small police scene remains in place at the school while investigations continue.

Speaking on social media, Harvey’s grieving mother Caroline and sister Sophie further spoke about their beloved son and brother – and were seen visiting the school this afternoon. 

Taking to social media, heartbroken Ms Willgoose said there are ‘no words’ and her ‘life is never [going to] be the same’ without her son.

Meanwhile, his older sister Sophie, a teacher, said her ‘heart is broken into a million pieces’ following his tragic death.  

She added: ‘I love you so much Harvey… Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight cos I wish I could.’

His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from classmates, who paid tribute to the ‘sound lad’ who was the ‘life of the party’. 

Emergency services scrambled to the school courtyard shortly after midday yesterday after reports that a teenage boy had been stabbed.

Pupils who knew Harvey described him as the ‘sweetest soul’, while some said he was the victim of bullying and was threatened at knifepoint at the school last week.

The alleged assailant had brought a blade into the school on January 29, according to one furious parent, prompting the premises to go into lockdown.

But police have urged the public not to speculate about the identity of the teenager for fear of prejudicing any future trial. 

South Yorkshire Police said: ‘We are urging our communities to avoid online speculation and identifying anyone who they believe to be involved in the tragic incident at All Saints Catholic High School yesterday to ensure justice can be secured for the victim and his family.

‘Identifying a suspect can prejudice court proceedings and risk a fair and accurate trial.

‘At the heart of this devastation is a grieving family and they deserve respect and privacy during this difficult time.

‘We will take action against anyone who poses a risk to proceedings. Please consider what you share online and the implications.’

Brenda Bartholomew said her granddaughter was in the same class as Harvey and heard screams when the fatal stabbing happened.

Mrs Bartholomew said: ‘She heard the scuffle, she heard the screams. They just ran.

‘That’s all we want: for our children to be safe. She’s very quiet at the moment. It’s just devastating.’

Police remain at the scene and forensics officers could be seen inside this morning. 

Yesterday, Ms Willgoose took to social media to post childhood photos of her son.

In a video uploaded to TikTok, Ms Willgoose posted a selection of heartbreaking photos of Harvey from over the years.

She wrote ‘Our Harvey. No words’ and accompanied the clip with the caption ‘WHY?WHY?WHY?’

Replying to the video, a well-wisher said: ‘He was one of a kind, he was the life of Friday night, we’ll forever love him.’

Another added: ‘Truly devastating. My son is 15 and I can only imagine the excruciating heartbreak. It’s clear to see from all the condolences from children just how loved and popular Harvey was. I’m so, so sorry.’ 

The victim’s grandfather was too upset to comment last night. 

‘None of the family really know what’s happened yet so I just can’t say anything,’ he said. 

A neighbour said: ‘Harvey and his dad were huge Sheffield United fans. It is just too awful for words.’ 

Sheffield United are to pay tribute to Harvey, with a spokesperson for the club saying: ‘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.’

Sophia Dawson, who has sent all her children to All Saints Catholic High School, called the fatal stabbing ‘shocking’.

Mrs Dawson said her 14-year-old daughter was at the Sheffield school on Monday, adding: ‘I’ve never heard my daughter so terrified, but I just can’t understand because this is a good school, really good school.

‘I know that boy from primary school. I can remember that little boy growing up.

‘But what happened yesterday, I can’t understand. It is shocking, really shocking.’

Meanwhile, a friend wrote on Instagram ‘Rip Harvey’ with a heart emoji, adding: ‘Absolutely devastated with the news doesn’t feel real whatsoever. Such a kind lad and didn’t deserve this at all, brought so much good times running this club with me and you was such a funny person to be around.

‘Prayers go out to his family. Rest easy, goose.’

Another friend shared: ‘Harvey was an amazing lad. What has happened is horrific. He was the victim of bullying.

‘He was threatened with a knife at the school last week. It’s heartbreaking. Harvey was one in a million. He had his whole life ahead of him.

‘It’s a tragedy beyond words. He had a lot of friends, was a huge Sheffield United fan. He loved football.

‘He lived a peaceful life. He was being bullied though.’

One friend posted on Instagram: ‘Forever 15 Goosey.’

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, who is from Sheffield, also paid tribute to the teen on social media, writing on X: ‘RIP Harvey Willgoose … Can’t quite believe what has happened at a Sheffield school.’

Keir Starmer said the ‘whole country’ will ‘mourn with’ the teen’s family after his shocking death. 

The Prime Minister, who was at a dinner with EU leaders in Brussels, said in a statement: ‘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.’

Flowers, balloons, an England flag and a card were left at the school gates in tribute to the teenager.

A teenage girl, speaking with her mother’s permission, 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.’

Another 17-year-old who came to stand outside the school said it was ‘such a shock’, adding: ‘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’.

A note left with flowers outside the school paid tribute to the boy, calling him the ‘life of the party’ with a ‘bubbly personality’.

‘You’ll be missed by many. You beautiful boy. Forever 15,’ the note read.

Others mourning the boy’s death gathered outside Sheffield United’s stadium in Bramall Lane.

A 17-year-old, who studies at a local college, heard the news through friends and 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.’

South Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Lindsey Butterfield said in a statement outside the force’s headquarters: ‘It is with great sadness that I share with you today, a teenager has died following the stabbing at a Sheffield school earlier today.

‘Our thoughts are with the family of the boy, his friends and the whole school community.

‘At 12.17pm, emergency services were called to All Saints Catholic High School on Granville Road.

‘The victim, a 15-year-old boy, suffered serious injuries and despite the best efforts of the ambulance service, he sadly died a short time later.

‘A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in our custody at this time.’

Assistant Chief Constable Butterfield went on: ‘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.

‘We urge anyone with any information that they believe can assist us to get in touch.’

In a message home to parents, the school said: ‘Students will be released when police give permission.’

This marks the second time in less than a week All Saints’ has been locked down, after staff and pupils were given the ‘stay put’ order on January 29 over ‘threats of violence’ between a ‘small number of students.’

Speaking about the lockdown of a week earlier, one parent told the Sheffield Star: ‘Now is not the time for recriminations but the school will have some serious questions to answer in the coming days.’

This first incident led to those involved being ‘escorted off the premises’ with no violence or injuries reported.

Headteacher Sean Pender said in a message to parents that the incident involved two students.

He said: ‘I am writing to inform you that today we have dealt with an extremely serious incident here in school resulting in us going into a lockdown procedure.

‘The incident involved two students, one of whom we believe has been seriously injured. All other students are contained and safe.

‘The police and paramedics are present in school. Once the police allow us to, we will be releasing all students from school.

‘I understand the level of anxiety you will be feeling without knowledge of the nature of the incident but at this time I have limited information to share with you whilst we have police and paramedics on site.

‘I will endeavour to update you with as much information as possible at the earliest opportunity. We ask for your prayers and support at this time.’

A parent, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Star: ‘This is frightening to hear so soon after a previous incident and I hope and pray everyone is okay and the incident is resolved peacefully.

‘Now is not the time for recriminations but the school will have some serious questions to answer in the coming days.’

Amaan Ahmed, one of the managers at Castle Asian Community Trust and Mosque in nearby Norfolk Road, said: ‘This area has seen an increase in crime recently. 

‘Cars are being stolen and vandalised, there has been an increase in anti-social behaviour – it is quite rampant in the area. It is concerning, especially being a community centre.

‘We provide facilities for people to pray and we have children who are afraid. We are very saddened to hear the news from the school.’

Sheffield Heeley MP Louise Haigh has said ‘serious questions will have to be answered’ after the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old boy at a school in her constituency. 

‘Horrific news that the young pupil from All Saints High School has died,’ the Labour MP posted to Facebook.

‘All my thoughts are with his family and friends, and the entire community at All Saints.

‘A teenager is in custody and South Yorkshire Police have assured parents that there is no ongoing risk at the school.

‘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.’

South Yorkshire’s 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.’

Mr Coppard, who has police and crime commissioner responsibilities, added: ‘The vast majority of our young people don’t carry knives, but one incidence of knife crime is one too many, because when we do see knife crime happen all too often the consequences are utterly devastating, as they have been today.

‘I have spoken to the Chief Constable and offered her my full support as she carries out her investigation and continues to do everything she can to prioritise tackling knife crime across South Yorkshire.’

A 2023 Ofsted report rated the school, which had 1,398 pupils at the time, as ‘Good’.

Inspectors found that most pupils behaved well, and they said ‘a strong ethos of warmth and respect pervades this school’.

Anyone with information has been urged to call 101 quoting number 327 of February 3, 2025. 

If you wish to make a report anonymously you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.