Head praises pupils after teacher's death

The head of a school where a much-loved teacher was stabbed to death in front of her pupils has described his immense pride at leading the students and staff as they tried to cope with the tragedy.

Steve Mort singled out the children at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds for praise as he inspected the mass of floral tributes which have accumulated since the death of Spanish teacher Ann Maguire on Monday morning.

Mr Mort was speaking as police continued to question a 15-year-old boy over Mrs Maguire's stabbing.

He said: "I am immensely proud to be headteacher at Corpus Christi. Our children have proven themselves to be great ambassadors for the school. And I want to pay particular tribute to them and to the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by our staff at this very difficult time."

The head spent around 15 minutes reading some of the hundreds of messages along the 164ft (50m) line of tributes placed against the school's metal railings along with his deputy, Cath Bielby, and assistant heads, Kieran Sykes and Andy Kellett.

Mr Mort said: "I want to say on behalf of the pupils, the staff and the governors and of the school that we are overwhelmed by the amazing outpouring of love and affection for Ann from the local community, from friends of the school past and present and from colleagues across the city.

"Over the past 48 hours we have drawn an incredible amount of strength and comfort from all the amazing tributes and messages of sympathy and support that we have received from right across the country and, indeed, the world.

"I would personally like to express my gratitude to all of the people that are currently supporting us within the school - West Yorkshire Police, Leeds City Council, the diocesan family and, in particular, our partner primary schools and Catholic Care."

Last night magistrates gave West Yorkshire Police extra time to question the schoolboy who was detained by staff following the stabbing and remains in custody.

Mrs Maguire, 61, was months away from retiring, after working at Corpus Christi Catholic College for more than 40 years, when she was attacked in a classroom in front of around 30 pupils.