GIRL TELLS TRIAL SHE WAS STABBED IN BACK AT SCHOOL

A boy who was 15 at the time is on trial at King's Lynn Crown Court, accused of the attempted murder of a schoolgirl at Thorpe St Andrew School near Norwich on 11 March. The girl gave evidence during the trial, and jurors watched a video-recorded police interview she gave days afterwards. She told officers she ran to a teacher and said: "Sir, I've been stabbed," after being knifed in the back. Legal restrictions prevent identification of the boy, who is now 16.

She told police she had seen a masked figure dressed "head to toe in black," wearing no school uniform, with his hands in his pockets. She looked at him, then turned away, and felt what she thought was a touch on the shoulder followed by what felt like a punch. She said she did not realise she had been stabbed and ran off, struggling to open a door as she began to feel numb and weak. Once inside a classroom, she told a teacher she had been stabbed, and the school's lockdown bell sounded while staff gave first aid. She then felt sharp pain through her back and saw blood on her hands. She told police she did not recognise her attacker and had had no issues with him or anyone else at school.

Giving evidence in court, the girl became emotional, wiping away tears and asking for a break. Defence barrister Stephen Rose KC asked her whether she had experienced any difficulties with the boy, which she denied. Prosecutor Christopher Paxton KC also addressed the court as the case opened. The trial at King's Lynn Crown Court is continuing.