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Girl, 16, charged with attempted murder of welfare officer stabbed at school

Humberside Police said the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with attempted murder and carrying a blade or pointed article on school premises.

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A 16-year-old girl has been charged with attempted murder after a welfare officer was stabbed at a school, police have said.

The girl will appear before Grimsby Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, following an incident on Monday morning involving Joy Simon, 61, at Winterton Community Academy, near Scunthorpe.

Humberside Police said the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with attempted murder and carrying a blade or pointed article on school premises.

(PA)
(PA)

Earlier, Chief Superintendent Christine Wilson said: “Joy Simon, the victim in this case, is in hospital and is as well as can be expected following this serious incident.

“Her family has agreed to her being named but will not be releasing a photograph.

“Our inquiries are continuing and a police presence remains in the school as reassurance to pupils and staff.”

On Monday, Ms Wilson said the school had no history of violent incidents and remained open.

Headteacher Gareth Morris. (PA)
Headteacher Gareth Morris. (PA)

She said her officers responded to reports of a fight in an office in the school and stressed the incident did not happen in a class.

Headteacher Gareth Morris described the incident as horrific.

He said Mrs Simon was “a very well regarded member of staff – a very important member of our pastoral team”.

In a statement on the school website, in which he did not name the welfare officer, Mr Morris said: “I am, however, happy to report that her injuries are not life-threatening and she is as comfortable as she can be under these circumstances.

“Our thoughts are with her and her family at this time.”

(PA)
(PA)

A fund-raising page to raise £100 to buy flowers for Mrs Simon and biscuits and chocolates for staff at the school has more than doubled its target.

Susan Maw, who set up the page, wrote: “As you may be aware, Mrs Simon was attacked at the school. This was both traumatic for the teachers and pupils alike.

“I would like to raise some money to send some flowers to Mrs Simon to send with best wishes for a speedy recovery and also some biscuits and chocolates to the staff of the academy to thank them for how they dealt with what must have been an extremely difficult situation.

“We live in a great community and the academy is at the heart of that, let’s show our appreciation.”

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