Boy charged after Thorpe school stabbing

A boy has been charged with attempted murder after a Thorpe St Andrew School stabbing incident which shocked the community.

Armed police were called to the school on Laundry Lane, Thorpe St Andrew at 10.24am on March 11. The fire and ambulance services also attended.

A teenage girl was taken to hospital with injuries described as “minor” and was able to return home the following day after treatment.

A 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent was taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning. He later appeared at Norwich Magistrates Court and was charged with attempted murder and possession of a knife on a school premises.

The boy, who cannot be named because of his age, was remanded into youth custody and was due to appear at Norwich Crown Court on April 10.

During the lockdown period, of about three hours, classroom doors were barricaded, some pupils hid under desks and the school bell could be heard ringing out across the site.

The school re-opened the following day although families were given the option of supporting children at home.

A letter sent to parents on the Wednesday evening said: “When something like this happens, routines and normality are helpful, and so school will be open as normal tomorrow (Thursday) at 8am.

“However, if you as a family wish to support your child at home we will respect this choice.”

The police and a support team from the local authority were on site to reassure pupils, staff and the wider community.

Broad Horizons Education Trust, which runs the school, said it will take time for pupils and staff to process what happened, supporting each other to come through it.

A statement said: “We have clear procedures in place and our staff acted swiftly, with the whole school going into lockdown with children staying in their classroom with their teacher.

“One of our students was injured and treated in hospital for minor injuries.

“This has obviously been a distressing experience for our whole community and our focus now is on making sure all students feel supported as we begin to understand what happened.”