A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of Harvey Willgoose, 15, who was stabbed to death at a school in Sheffield, the Crown Prosecution Service said. Chris Hartley, Deputy Chief Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service 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 teenager charged with Harvey Willgoose’s murder will appear before Sheffield Youth Court today.
Harvey Willgoose died at All Saints Catholic High School in Granville Road, Sheffield, at about 12.17pm on Monday.On Tuesday afternoon, Harvey’s mother Caroline and other family members visited the school where flowers, balloons and cards have been left for the popular pupil.
After the visit, they released a statement saying: “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.”
The trust which runs the school said Harvey was “precious” and “loved”. Steve Davies, chief executive of the St Clare Catholic Multi Academy Trust which runs the secondary school, said in a statement: “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.”
Mr Davies added: “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.”
A note on a bunch of flowers from one of Harvey’s teachers said: “I only taught you a few times in year 7 but I remember you well. Despite being occasionally a little too energetic, you were always polite and friendly. I am so sorry this has happened.”
Sheffield United said fans have approached the club to hold a tribute to the young supporter at an upcoming game.The Championship side said: “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.”
A Mass will be held for Harvey at St Joseph’s, Handsworth, at 10am on Saturday.