The headteacher at a West Yorkshire school has issued a statement after the violent death of one of its pupils.

Andrew Fell, headteacher at North Huddersfield Trust School, described yesterday's events as "truly shocking news" for pupils and staff.

A murder inquiry has been launched after a 15-year-old boy was stabbed outside the school in Fartown, Huddersfield.

The attack happened at Woodhouse Hill at 2.45pm on Wednesday.

The victim was treated at the scene and taken to Leeds General Infirmary for emergency surgery, but died.

In a statement to parents this morning, Mr Fell said: "It is with enormous sadness that I must tell you that following an incident on Woodhouse Hill Road yesterday, one of our pupils has tragically lost their life.

"The pupil was taken by ambulance to hospital after the incident but despite the most valiant of efforts, medical staff were unable to save their life.

"This is truly shocking news for our pupils, your children, and our staff. We will be providing specialist support for any among our community who feel they could benefit.

"In order to brief school staff and liaise with available support services, school will not open until 10:30am and only to students who need support following this tragic incident. Further communication will follow later this morning. Thank you for your support.

"West Yorkshire Police have launched an urgent investigation so it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time. I would urge everyone not to engage in speculation about possible causes or perpetrators and allow the police to make their enquiries. A statement has been released.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to the pupil’s family and friends who must feel, as we do, completely devastated. They have lost a loved one and we have lost a wonderful student from our school community."

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Marc Bowes said that police have identified a number of witnesses to the incident.

“Our investigation is still at a very early stage, and we will be carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident that has resulted in the absolutely senseless loss of a young life,” he said.

“We recognise that an incident of this nature will cause understandable shock and concern in the community, and we are working closely alongside our colleagues at Kirklees District who are increasing their presence in the area to reassure people and keep them updated as our investigation progresses.

“We have already identified a number of witnesses to the incident itself but would still like to hear from anyone who has any information that could assist the investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101 or online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat quoting crime reference 13220521713.