Hundreds march for stabbed schoolboy

Grace Wood and Adam Laver

BBC News, Yorkshire

Hundreds marched through Sheffield in tribute to Harvey Willgoose

PA Media People marching holding a banner with Harvey Willgoose's face on it. There is another banner behind with Sheffield United and England badges on it. People are wearing black t shirts with Harvey's face on it. — Hundreds marched through Sheffield in tribute to Harvey Willgoose

Hundreds of people are taking part in an anti-knife crime march following the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Harvey Willgoose at a school in Sheffield.

Family and friends were joined by football fans and others affected by the teenager’s death to walk from the city’s Town Hall to Bramall Lane football stadium.

Many in the crowd wore red and white clothing or carried balloons in the same colours in tribute to the teenage Sheffield United fan.

Harvey died after being stabbed in the chest at All Saints Catholic High School in Granville Road on Monday. A 15-year-old boy has been charged with murder.

Flowers and tributes have been laid at Bramall Lane in memory of Sheffield United fan Harvey Willgoose

A framed photograph of a teenage boy with brown hair wearing a black T shirt and sunglasses. Around the frame are many bunches of flowers. — Flowers and tributes have been laid at Bramall Lane in memory of Sheffield United fan Harvey Willgoose

The march, organised by Sheffield United fans and charities Always an Alternative and Mums United, started at 13:00 GMT ahead of the match between Sheffield United and Portsmouth.

Speaking at the event, his mum Caroline Willgoose said the turnout had been “amazing”.

“I just know that everyone is feeling for us,” she said

“That’s what’s getting me through it.”

She said fans of Sheffield United’s rivals Sheffield Wednesday had been heard “shouting his name” on trams in the city during the day, while a number of Portsmouth fans also joined the march.

There was also minute’s applause at 15-minute mark of the match between West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday earlier.

Mrs Willgoose said her son “would love it” to see supporters of different clubs singing his name.

There was a minute’s applause at The Hawthorns in the match between West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday

PA Media A screen at The Hawthorns football stadium reading 'in loving memory of Harvey Willgoose 2009-2025' with fans beneath it. Three players can be seen on the pitch. — There was a minute’s applause at The Hawthorns in the match between West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday

The march follows a mass at St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Handsworth.

Ahead of the service Mark McManus, the parish priest at St Joseph’s, said: “Harvey was a former pupil of St Joseph’s Academy and, along with the members of our community who attend All Saints High School, many will have been affected by his death – some very closely.

“Our mass will be offered for Harvey and his family, and friends, for the two school communities and for all who have been marked or touched by this terrible tragedy.”

A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared at Sheffield Crown Court on Thursday charged with murder, possession of a bladed article and affray.

A provisional trial date has been set for 30 June.

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