A courageous maths teacher, Jamie Sansom, was allegedly stabbed by a teenage boy while attempting to break up a fight between two pupils at Tewkesbury School in Gloucestershire. The incident occurred this morning, triggering a major response from the police, including armed officers.
According to witnesses, Sansom, who hails from Newport, Wales, was hailed as a hero for his actions in trying to protect a child from being attacked. The teacher was reportedly knifed in the corridor and was subsequently rushed to Gloucester Royal Hospital, where he is in a stable condition.
The teenage suspect, a resident of Tewkesbury, fled the scene but was apprehended by armed officers in the nearby Stoke Orchard area. He was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and a knife was recovered as evidence.
Parents of students at Tewkesbury School expressed their admiration for Sansom, describing him as a “wonderful teacher” who had achieved outstanding results with his pupils. Sansom has been teaching maths in Gloucestershire since September 2017 and is highly regarded by students and parents alike.
During the incident, the school was placed on lockdown, with pupils confined to their classrooms. The adjacent Tirlebrook Primary School and nursery were also locked down as a precautionary measure. Concerned parents gathered outside the school, anxiously awaiting updates on the situation.
The South Western Ambulance Service dispatched three ambulances to the scene, and Sansom was swiftly transported to the hospital for treatment. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Headteacher Kathleen McGillycuddy issued a statement to reassure parents and carers, emphasizing that all pupils were safe and well. She commended the swift response of the school and the police and acknowledged the worry that the incident had caused.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his condolences, and Education Secretary Gillian Keegan conveyed her deep concern regarding the alleged attack. Both the school and the police have advised parents to wait for further updates and to refrain from attempting to communicate with the school office during the ongoing situation.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and Gloucestershire Police have urged anyone with information to come forward. The community is shocked by the incident, and discussions about school safety and the role of weapons in society have emerged. As the situation unfolds, support services will be available to students, staff, and families affected by the incident.
