A 15-YEAR-OLD boy was arrested yesterday after a long-serving teacher was repeatedly and fatally stabbed at school in front of her pupils.

Tributes have been paid to the teacher, named as 61-year-old Anne Maguire, who was fatally injured at Corpus Christi Catholic College, on Neville Road, Leeds, yesterday morning.

West Yorkshire Police detectives said the arrested boy was in custody.

Chief Supt Paul Money said teachers at the school held the suspect until police arrived, shortly before midday.

The teacher, who had taught for 40 years, died later in hospital.

Chief Supt Money said: “A 15-year-old male pupil from the school was detained at the scene by other members of teaching staff immediately after the incident occurred.

“The alarm was raised by students in the school, some of whom witnessed the offence.”

He said a knife had been recovered and added: “There were a number of stab wounds to the lady in question.”

A collection of flowers built outside the school gate following the attack.

Teaching unions described the incident as “awful” and “appalling,” and pledged their support.