Anne Maguire, 61yrs school teacher was stabbed today repeatedly in the neck while she taught a class full of pupils. Schoolchildren watched in horror at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds.
Members of staff also witnessed the incident and immediately detained the attacker. A 15-year-old boy was later arrested by police officers and a knife was recovered from the scene.
Police said a number of specialist officers are now working to support those pupils who witnessed the horrific scenes.
It is thought to be the first time a teacher has been killed in a British classroom.
Pupils said she had been a teacher for around 40 years. One student said Mrs Maguire had retired but returned to the school to teach part time.
Chief Superintendent spoke from the scene earlier.
He said: "While this was over very quickly and no other students, staff or members of the public were injured, this has clearly been a shocking incident for everybody.
"This is unprecedented for Leeds and a shocking incident the like I have not seen in over 25 years of service.
"Schools in Leeds are generally very safe places to work, visit and study in."
The Prime Minister tonight paid tribute to Mrs Maguire.
David Cameron said: "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."
Many current and former pupils also paid tribute to the teacher.
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."
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