British Catholic high school reeling from the loss of student in stabbing incident

(OSV News) -- The Catholic community in Sheffield, England, is in shock after the "tragic" stabbing of 15-year-old schoolboy Harvey Willgoose at All Saints Catholic High School led to the death of a student hailed as "one of our own" and "a best friend to all."

Willgoose died Feb. 3 after being stabbed twice in the chest with a large knife on school premises. Speaking on behalf of the Diocese of Hallam, Bishop Ralph Heskett said: "Our prayers, and those of every parish and school, are with Harvey, his parents, family, and friends for a young life lost and all those affected by this tragedy."

Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the incident as "horrific and senseless" and called for firm action to prevent further knife crime.

Responding to the "tragic death of our much-loved student, Harvey Willgoose," Steve Davies, CEO of St. Clare Catholic Multi Academy Trust, spoke on behalf of All Saints Catholic High School, saying the school "lost one of our own in the most shocking and tragic of circumstances.

"Harvey was an invaluable part of our school community," Davies said. "An immensely popular young man with his fellow students and teachers alike, he had a smile that would light up the room."

The killing came a week after violent threats were made by students and a lockdown was enforced at the school.

Responding to the tragedy, in a statement released by South Yorkshire Police, the family said they are "utterly heartbroken."

"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," the family added.

Sophie Willgoose, Harvey's sister, commented in a Facebook post that her "heart is broken into a million pieces." She added: "I love you so much Harvey."

A 15-year-old boy, who was arrested in the crime but cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in court Feb. 5. He was charged with murder and affray, and remanded into custody. "Affray" is a criminal charge for fighting in a public place that endangers or alarms others.

Davies commented that the school was "struggling to process what has happened," adding that it is "unimaginable to comprehend what (Harvey's family and friends) are going through."

He said: "I simply want to express, on behalf of the whole school community, our heartfelt condolences," thanking agencies and services who have helped the school support the grieving community.

"A tragic and shocking incident such as this shakes us to our core and is the opposite of the ethos of what All Saints stands for -- a loving, caring school community."

Bishop Heskett called for Masses and prayers to be said for Willgoose, adding his prayers for the All Saints Catholic High School community.

"In God's peace, and in God's presence, we must come together as a community of faith to comfort each other," he said.

Local parish priest Father Mark McManus from St. Joseph Church in Handsworth, which has links to All Saints, said a Mass will be offered for Willgoose Feb. 8 to support "all who have been marked or touched by this terrible tragedy."