Teenager stabbed to death at school gates

A boy was stabbed to death yesterday outside a pioneering school for troubled teenagers.

The 15-year-old was attacked by up to four young men outside the gates of Park Campus School in West Norwood, south London. Emergency services including an air ambulance were called to the scene at 8.50am but the student died from multiple injuries. He is the 13th teenager to have been killed in London so far this year and the ninth to die in a stabbing.

A second boy had hospital treatment after receiving minor injuries to his arm during the fight. Witnesses said several young men waited in a parked car near the school and ambushed the victim.

Saima Sadfdar, who runs a shop opposite the school, said the boy collapsed in the arms of a teacher who ran out to help him.

She said: "I was told there were three or four people with a big knife.

"Apparently one of the teachers realised something was going on and ran out to help.

"She had her hands open but it was too late and he collapsed in her arms. I knew the boy, he was no trouble," she added.

Park Campus is a specialist school educating some of London's most troubled young people, including those with social, behavioural and emotional difficulties.

Launched two years ago, it was hailed as the first school of its kind in Britain, aimed at getting young people back into mainstream education. There are around 80 pupils aged between 11 and 16 at the school. Yesterday pupils were kept inside the building for questioning by teachers and police officers.

Police have begun a murder inquiry and are investigating the possibility that the killing was motivated by gang rivalries. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said three people have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Richard Leonard, the headteacher of Park Campus, said: "This is a terrible tragedy and the whole school is in shock.

"We will be providing all the support we can to pupils and their families as the school community tries to come to terms with this awful loss."