Grieving Parents Call for Knife Detectors in Schools After Son’s Tragic Murder

The parents of Harvey Willgoose, Caroline and Mark, whose son was robbed from them after a knife attack from a fellow pupil penetrated his ribs and into his heart, have called for knife detectors to be introduced into secondary schools.

Specifically, they are calling for metal detecting arches—commonly found in courts and airports—so that no other family has to suffer the torment they have.

The parents met with South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard and senior Sheffield City Council figures earlier this week and described the talks as having gone “positively.”

As well as meeting Oliver Coppard, Harvey’s parents also met with Councillor Dawn Dale, the Chair of Sheffield City Council’s Education, Children and Families Committee, as well as the authority’s Chief Executive, Kate Josephs.

Speaking of the meeting afterwards, Dawn said:
“As mothers ourselves, we were humbled by the dignity of the family in these unimaginable circumstances.
We are committed to advocating for Harvey’s family and, where possible, unlocking any barriers they may face.
We have committed to an ongoing relationship with Harvey’s family as they continue through their grief and will work with them to bring people together across the city at this difficult time, ensuring the voices of young people are heard.”

Reflecting on the overall tone of the meeting, Mr Willgoose said he and his wife “most definitely” felt that they had been listened to.

Mrs Willgoose mentioned that Harvey’s family wanted to “stop this from happening to anybody else” and added, “If one school puts one in, then let everybody else follow by example and do this.”

An inquest into Harvey’s death opened on Tuesday, 11 February, before being adjourned until Thursday, 31 July, pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.