A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 15-year-old boy was fatally stabbed outside a school in Huddersfield.
The boy was arrested at an address in the city shortly after 5am, West Yorkshire Police said. He remains in custody as the homicide investigation continues.
The victim died in hospital after being stabbed near the entrance to North Huddersfield Trust School at 2.45pm on Wednesday.
The school said it was “completely devastated” by the incident. Principal Andrew Fell said in a statement that the school had “lost a wonderful student from our school community”.
The boy was treated at the scene and taken to Leeds General Infirmary for emergency surgery, police said. He was pronounced dead a short time later.
Fell said in a statement: “It is with enormous sadness that I have to tell you that following an incident in Woodhouse Hill Road yesterday, one of our students has tragically lost his life.
“The student was taken by ambulance to hospital following the incident, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was unable to save his life.
“This is really shocking news for our pupils, your children and our staff. We will provide specialist support to everyone in our community who we feel could benefit from it.”
The statement said the school would not open until 10.30am on Thursday and would only be for students who need support.
There is a police cordon blocking the pavement and flowers have been left at the scene.
Fell said: “West Yorkshire Police have launched an urgent investigation so it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.
“I urge everyone not to speculate about possible causes or perpetrators and allow the police to conduct their investigations. A statement has been released.
“Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the student who must feel, like us, completely devastated. They have lost a loved one and we have lost a wonderful student from our school community.”
DS Marc Bowes, the senior investigating officer, said police had identified a number of witnesses.
“Our investigation is still at a very early stage, and we will be conducting thorough inquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident which has resulted in the absolutely senseless loss of a young life,” he said.
“We recognize that an incident of this nature will cause understandable shock and concern in the community, and we are working closely together with our colleagues in Kirklees Borough, who are increasing their presence in the area to reassure people and keep it updated as our investigation progresses.
“We have already identified several witnesses to the incident, but we would still like to hear from anyone who has information that could assist the investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat quoting crime reference 13220521713.
