Girlfriend of teenager stabbed to death outside school speaks out

The girlfriend of 15-year-old Khayri McLean has spoken out, after the teen was stabbed to death outside his school gates this week.

Khayri had been standing at the entrance of North Huddersfield Trust School in West Yorkshire on Wednesday afternoon (21 September) when he was brutally attacked.

Khayri's girlfriend Shyana James, 16, revealed that he had phoned her just minutes before the attack to let her know that he was on his way to see her.

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Khayri was treated by paramedics at the scene of the incident before being rushed to Leeds General Infirmary for emergency surgery, but was pronounced dead soon after.

A 16-year-old boy has since been arrested on suspicion of Khayri's murder and remains in custody, according to West Yorkshire Police.

Shyana, who had been dating Khayri for around six months, has described her boyfriend as 'best person ever'.

She said: "He would drop anything for you and he'd do absolutely anything for anyone.

"I spoke to him at 2.52pm yesterday and he was saying he'd had a good day and couldn't wait to see me later. He was going home to get changed then he was going to come to mine.

"He was the love of my life. We were talking about our future the other day. He was just the best person I knew."

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Shyana's mum Sherrin, who comforted her close to the scene of the attack, added: "They were inseparable. He was always round mine and I'd drop him off at home after.

"He was a good boy, really quiet. He'd do anything for anybody ever.

"We have no idea what's provoked this, we're at a loss to understand why it's happened. We just do not know.

"There was quite a lot of kids that saw it."

People have been visiting the scene to lay flowers and tributes to Khayri.

The school was closed today, but opened its doors to any students who needed support after the devastating incident.

While investigations continue, Shyana has set up a fundraising page to help Khayri's family cover the cost of a funeral.

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On it, she wrote: “As you all know, such a wonderful boy lost his life yesterday.

“He was only 15 years old, and lived a good life but a shame it got taken so quick.

“To get a little support for the family I am trying to raise money to give him the best send off.”

You can contribute to the fundraiser here.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent Marc Bowes said 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 inquiries 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"

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or online, quoting crime reference 13220521713.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677