Stourbridge stabbings: School's tribute to 'loyal, caring' Pierce as father Peter remains in hospital
A 13-year-old boy stabbed to death alongside his mother has been described as a 'loyal, caring and conscientious pupil' by his teachers.
Pierce Wilkinson died after being attacked at his family home in Stourbridge, where his mother Tracey was also fatally knifed and father Peter was left fighting for his life yesterday.
Today staff at Redhill School paid tribute to Pierce, who was in year eight at the Stourbridge academy, as his father remained in a critical but stable condition in hospital.
"Pierce was a loyal, caring and conscientious pupil, who will be sadly missed by all members of our school community," headteacher Stephen Dunster said.
"He always met everyone with a smile and was a kind and thoughtful young man.
"He was passionate about his football team West Bromwich Albion and was devoted to his pet greyhound dog.
"He was a loving son and brother. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his family, in particular his father Peter and sister Lydia."
UPDATE: Man change with murder of mother and son and attempted murder of father
MORE: 'A lovely couple happy to help'- Devastated neighbours pay tribute
Several of the secondary school's pupils have left flowers outside the family's home in Greyhound Lane, Norton, where a police tent and cordon remained in place today.
The knifeman is believed to have attacked the family at around 8am before fleeing the scene of the 'horrific' bloodbath in their Land Rover.
It is believed he crashed the 4x4 into a wall after ramming a police vehicle during a pursuit which took place around half an hour after the alleged stabbings.
The owner of the house which the Land Rover crashed into, who did not want to be named, said: "My husband and daughter pulled off the drive minutes before it happened.
"I went upstairs to my office and heard a big Bang.
"I looked out the window and saw that my huge brick wall wasn't there anymore and a huge Land Rover was surrounded by police, ambulances and the fire service.
"At first I thought it was a road accident but then I saw all of the police and realised it had to be more serious.
"I didn't see much of him because he was behind the bonnet of the car which was up.
"The neighbours told me the police wrestled him to the floor and handcuffed him.
"After I realised what happened round the corner I couldn't believe it all. It's absolutely devastating. A poor little boy and his mother."
A man, who was taken to hospital after the police chase, was arrested on suspicion of murder and wounding and continued to be grilled by police on Friday.
Dozens have flowers have been left next to a forensic tent outside the family home, with notes paying tribute to 'a lovely family' who 'will be deeply missed'.
Bouquets were left by friends, family and neighbours, including one adorned with the the words 'to my friend Pierce' in a child's handwriting and another which read 'school won't be the same without you'.
Students at the Junction Road school have been offered professional counselling and parents are being provided with guidance on supporting their children in the aftermath of the attack.
Other tributes outside the red-brick home include daffodils 'because they make people happy' and a soft-toy greyhound, in reference to the family pet which was taken away from the scene by police yesterday.
Emergency services found Pierce and Tracey Wilkinson in the house and Peter, managing director at Asset International in Bilston, in the garden. All had serious stab wounds. The couple's daughter Lydia was away at university at the time of the attack.
Paramedics said nothing could be done to save Mrs Wilkinson, who is understood to be in her 50s, and she was pronounced dead at the scene, while Pierce was later pronounced dead in hospital.
Peter was rushed to hospital with stab wounds to his chest and back, where he remained in a critical but stable condition on Friday, according to police.
As the community came to terms with the brutal events, local MP Margot James said: "My prayers are with Peter Wilkinson, who is in a critical condition, and his poor daughter, after the tragic events in Stourbridge."
Meanwhile Mike Wood, a former Stourbridge councillor and now MP for Dudley South, said: "Awful news from Norton. Praying for Peter Wilkinson and thoughts with everyone who knew and cared for the family at this difficult time."
West Midlands Police continued to hold the suspect on Friday afternoon and could apply for a further 12 hours to question the male in his 20s.
Dudley Police Supt Lee Kendrick told the media on Thursday: "What has unfolded here is truly horrific and heartbreaking.
"Officers and paramedics were confronted with an awful scene: A man, a woman and a 13-year-old boy were found all with very serious stab injuries. They are believed to have been inflicted by a man known to the family, but not a family relative.
"At this stage we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident."
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101.
