Boy, 15, seems in court docket charged with homicide of 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose who was stabbed to loss of life in school
A 15-year-old boy has been remanded into youth detention accommodation after appearing at Sheffield Youth Court charged with the murder of Harvey Willgoose, 15, who was stabbed to death at a school in the city.
The teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, is charged with Harvey’s murder, possession of a bladed article and affray. He will appear in court again on Thursday.
Harvey Willgoose was rushed to hospital with serious injuries after the alleged attack at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield where police were called at 12.17pm on Monday afternoon.
Emergency services were met with a scene of chaos as they swooped on the school courtyard, while classrooms were plunged into lockdown and the grounds were closed in the aftermath.
Terrified pupils heard a ‘scuffle’ followed by ‘screams’ as their lunch break was beginning and ‘just ran’.
Despite efforts to save Harvey, he was later confirmed to have died from his injuries shortly before 4pm.
District Judge Tim Spruce told the boy: ‘You will be aware that you are charged with offences arising from an incident on Monday the 3rd of February.
‘There is an allegation that you murdered Harvey Willgoose on that date.
‘It is early days in this investigation but this allegation involves a knife, a hunting knife, being taken into school and used to stab another pupil in broad daylight resulting in the death of that pupil.’
In a heartbreaking statement issued through South Yorkshire police, Harvey’s mother Caroline Willgoose and other family members paid tribute to their ‘Harvey Goose’ and said their lives ‘will never be the same again’.
‘We are utterly heartbroken at the loss of our beautiful boy, Harvey Goose,’ the said.
‘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.’
A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of Harvey Willgoose (pictured), 15, who was stabbed to death at a school in Sheffield, the CPS have said
Emergency services were met with a scene of chaos as they swooped on the school courtyard, while classrooms were plunged into lockdown and the grounds were closed in the aftermath
Harvey’s grieving mother, Caroline Willgoose, pictured on the day she laid flowers down for her son
Chris Hartley, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the CPS Yorkshire and Humberside, said: ‘The Crown Prosecution Service has reviewed a file of evidence from South Yorkshire Police.
‘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 Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against this defendant are active and that the youth has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.’
The first hearing is set to take place today at Sheffield Youth Court.
Harvey Willgoose (pictured) was rushed to hospital with ‘serious injuries’ after the attack at All Saints Catholic High School, where police were called at 12.17pm on Monday afternoon
Grieving friends pictured crying as they laid down flowers for Harvey after he was killed
Emergency services raced to the All Saints Catholic High School (pictured) courtyard as classrooms were plunged into lockdown
Ms Willgoose displayed poignant childhood photos of her son on Facebook on Monday night, as friends and relatives tried to console her with heartfelt messages.
On Monday, a neighbour said: ‘Harvey and his dad were huge Sheffield United fans. It is just too awful for words.’
Keir Starmer said the ‘whole country’ will ‘mourn with’ the teen’s family after the devastating loss.
The Prime Minister said in a statement: ‘The terrible stabbing in Sheffield is one where I think the whole country would want to reach out to the family, the friends, to the school, the entire community, in their grief and mourn with them.
‘Obviously there will be an investigation, but I think at this point I simply speak for the country, to the individuals affected, to the family in particular, but everybody impacted by this awful situation – a young boy has gone to school and hasn’t returned home.
‘And so my first thoughts as Prime Minister and as a father are with the family.’
Meanwhile, devastated friends and family paid moving tributes to the teenager on social media.
A crime officer outside All Saints Catholic High School on Granville Road in Sheffield
Mother Caroline Willgoose posted on social media saying: ‘My Harvey. Life is never gunner be the same love you so much’
Ms Willgoose lays flowers at All Saints Catholic School in Sheffield after her son was killed
Harvey Willgoose pictured with his mother Caroline, who posted a heartbreaking tribute to her son on social media
Harvey and his mother Caroline pictured together in a post made on social media
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.
‘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.’
One friend posted on Instagram: ‘Forever 15 Goosey.’
Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan 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..x.’
