Mass held for teacher stabbed to death in classroom 'by 15-year-old pupil'

61-year-old teacher Ann Maguire was killed at Corpus Christie Catholic College in Leeds on Monday.

16:24 29 April 2014

The killing of 61-year-old teacher Ann Maguire apparently at the hands of her 15-year-old pupil in school on Monday has sent shockwaves through the UK. A mass has since been held in her honour while a murder investigation is uinderway. 

 

Described as a caring, inspirational teacher, her former pupils have paid tributes and left flowers at the school gate. 

 

Former pupil Stephanie Pemberton said: "She was an incredible woman she came in on Saturdays to try to get us through our GCSEs.

 

"You just have to mention her name and you can't help but smile.

 

"I didn't believe it at first, I was in complete denial, I didn't want to believe it. 

 

"When someone's had that much effect on your life, it's not an easy thing to accept."

 

Meanwhile, police has confirmed that a 15-year-old is in custody in connection with the killing. Det Supt Simon Beldon, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "Given his young age this is a process which needs to be handled very sensitively and may take some time to complete.

 

"This is clearly an unprecedented and tragic incident which has left the wider community in a state of shock."

 

It has since been revealed that Maguire was just weeks away from retirement.