'Our deepest sympathies go out to the pupil's family and friends who must feel, as we do, completely devastated.'
A ‘completely devastated’ school has paid tribute to a 15-year-old pupil stabbed to death outside its gates yesterday.
North Huddersfield Trust School’s head Andrew Fell praised the ‘wonderful student’, who is yet to be named after a murder inquiry was launched.
The Woodhouse Hill incident occurred shortly before 3pm yesterday, with parents claiming a boy was pinned to the ground and knifed repeatedly.
Mr Fell said: ‘Our deepest sympathies go out to the pupil’s family and friends who must feel, as we do, completely devastated.
‘They have lost a loved one and we have lost a wonderful student from our school community.’
The teenager died in hospital following the attack at 2.45pm, West Yorkshire Police said.
In a statement posted on the school website, Mr Fell continued: ‘It is with enormous sadness that I must tell you that following an incident on Woodhouse Hill Road yesterday one of our pupils has tragically lost their life.
‘The pupil was taken by ambulance to hospital after the incident but despite the most valiant of efforts, medical staff were unable to save their life.
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‘This is truly shocking news for our pupils, your children, and our staff. We will be providing specialist support for any among our community who feel they could benefit.’
The statement explained that the school will not open until 10.30am this morning and then only to students who need support.
The victim was treated at the scene and taken to Leeds General Infirmary for emergency surgery, according to police.
The student was pronounced dead a short time later, and detectives from the force’s Homicide and Major Inquiry Team are leading the investigation.
Mr Fell added: ‘West Yorkshire Police have launched an urgent investigation, so it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.
‘I would urge everyone not to engage in speculation about possible causes or perpetrators and allow the police to make their enquiries.’
Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Marc Bowes said police have identified a number of witnesses.
‘Our investigation is still at a very early stage, and we will be carrying out extensive inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident that has resulted in the absolutely senseless loss of a young life,’ he said.
‘We recognise that an incident of this nature will cause understandable shock and concern in the community, and we are working closely alongside our colleagues at Kirklees District who are increasing their presence in the area to reassure people and keep them updated as our investigation progresses.
‘We have already identified a number of witnesses to the incident itself but would still like to hear from anyone who has any information that could assist the investigation.’
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or online quoting crime reference 13220521713.
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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