A school has named a pupil killed in a stabbing in Chippenham at the weekend – with students sent home as they mourn his death.
In a letter to parents, Hardenhuish School announced that Shayne Hambakachere died following the knife attack in London Road on Saturday (31 January).
Headteacher Lisa Percy said the 15-year-old Year 11 pupil will be “missed by everyone”, and has closed the school following the tragic news.
The letter reads: “This morning at 8.45am the police informed us that sadly Shayne Hambakachere, one of our Year 11 pupils, died from his injuries in the early hours of the morning following a stabbing in Chippenham on Saturday.
“The perpetrator has been arrested in relation to the incident.
“He will be missed by everyone, and our sincere condolences go to his family and friends at this sad time.
“All of the staff and young people have been informed by teachers this morning and lessons will not continue as normal today.
“Please make arrangements for your children to be collected by 12.35pm. School will remain open for any young person to enable us to support them.
“When someone dies, young people may experience many different feelings, such as sadness or anger. Some pupils may feel shocked and upset by the news, while others may be confused or numb. These reactions are all normal.
“We have tried to answer their questions in school with the information we are able to share, using age-appropriate and honest language. For more information about speaking to children and young people about death, visit the Child Bereavement UK website childbereavementuk.org.”
