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Leeds double murder probe: Tributes paid to mother and daughter UPDATED
Sarah Laycock.
Schools today paid tribute to a “much-loved” deputy headteacher and her “clever, enthusiastic, hard-working” eight-year-old daughter after they were found dead in their Leeds home.
The bodies of Sarah Laycock, 31, deputy headteacher at Wheldon Infant School, in Castleford, and her daughter Abigail Miller were found on Saturday.
Ms Laycock’s partner John Miller, 36, was arrested at a nature reserve several miles away from their home in Garforth, Leeds, and is currently receiving treatment in hospital.
The headteacher at Ninelands Primary School, in Garforth, where Abigail was a pupil, today said she was “devastated” by the news of the death of the girl, who she described as being a “delight to have in the school”.
A statement released by Wheldon Infant School said they were “shocked and saddened” about the death of Ms Laycock.
Jillian Sabourn, headteacher at Ninelands Primary School, said: “This news has been devastating for everyone here at the school.
“Abigail has been with Ninelands Primary School since nursery. She was an absolute delight to have in the school.
“Abigail was clever, enthusiastic, hard-working in every aspect of her work and a role model for other children. She particularly enjoyed PE and dance. Abigail was a thoughtful child who would regularly help other children.
“The school are absolutely devastated she will no longer be with us.”
A spokesman for Leeds City Council children’s services said two senior educational psychologists had been at the school since early on Monday working alongside the headteacher to support staff and pupils.
Tracey Lake, headteacher at Wheldon Infant School, where Ms Laycock was deputy headteacher, said: “We are extremely shocked and saddened by this tragic incident and our prayers are with Sarah’s family and friends.
“Sarah was a much loved part of this school community and was highly respected by her colleagues and all the children - her loss will be deeply felt throughout the school.
“The school is a very close-knit community and we will all pull together to help each other at this very difficult time.”
Joanne Roney, Wakefield Council’s chief executive, added: “This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and sympathies are with family members, friends and colleagues at this distressing time. We will do all that we can to support both staff and pupils at the school.”
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
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Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
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