Teacher stabbed to death at school in Leeds

The teacher, named locally as Ann Maguire, 61, was stabbed to death at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Neville Road, Leeds, in what is thought to be the first fatal stabbing of a teacher since Philip Lawrence was killed outside his London school almost 20 years ago.

Police said a 15-year-old boy had been arrested in connection with the stabbing and was in custody.

Chief Superintendent Paul Money said teachers at the school held the suspect until police arrived shortly before midday. Mrs Maguire died later in hospital.

He said: “A 15-year-old male pupil from the school was detained at the scene by other members of teaching staff immediately after the incident occurred.

“The alarm was raised by students in the school, some of whom witnessed the offence.”

He said a knife had been recovered and added: “There were a number of stab wounds to the lady in question.”

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Students and teachers paid tribute to Mrs Maguire, a popular Spanish teacher who, pupils said, had been working at the Catholic school for many years.

Kerrianne Ayward, 17, said: “She was just lovely. She was helpful and caring and you could have a laugh with her. She was always there for you, even if she didn’t know you very well. No one had a bad word for her – I mean no one.”

Kerrianne, who left the school two years ago, said: “She’s been my referee for everything, college, everything. There’s no one else you would go to who’s better. She was the heart of the school.”

Another former pupil, Peter Masefield, 18, said: “I just can’t understand why her. Of all people. She was the school’s figurehead.”

I just can’t understand why her. Of all people. She was the school’s figurehead. Former pupil Peter Masefield

Pupil Georgina Kilroy, 16, said Mrs Maguire had been a teacher at popular Corpus Christi, which caters for 11-16 year olds, for 40 years.

Speaking outside the school, she said: “I don’t know anyone who didn’t like her. She was spot on. You couldn’t ask for a better teacher.”

Georgina said her teacher broke down when she told the children the news. She said that before then, they were told a teacher had gone to hospital but lessons continued.

Prime Minister David Cameron joined pupils in paying tribute to Mrs Maguire.

“My thoughts are with the family of Anne Maguire, as well as the staff and pupils of Corpus Christi school, where she was stabbed to death,” he said.

Education Secretary Michael Gove added: “This is an appalling tragedy. My deepest thoughts go to the victim’s family, her colleagues and the pupils at Corpus Christi Catholic College.”

A collection of flowers has already begun to build outside the school, which is part of the Safer Schools programme designed to protect children and staff.

One message read: “To a special teacher. We was all sad about it. I will never forget you.”