The family of murdered schoolboy Luke Walmsley has thanked the press for the sympathetic way journalists treated the tragedy.

Luke was stabbed to death at school in Lincolnshire earlier this month and although the family has kept the press at arm’s length, the media has worked with the local police force to cover the story effectively.

Luke’s parents, Jayne and Paul, also said they had received many expressions of condolence from many representatives of broadcast and print media.

Tony Diggins, of Lincolnshire Police, said: “Jayne and Paul have asked us to say that, they do not wish to make any further statement or participate in any media productions or articles about Luke or related issues at the moment.

“They also asked us to express their heartfelt thanks at the expressions of sympathy and the sympathetic way they have been treated by members of the media.

“They will reconsider their position on talking to the media again when a date is announced for the trial of the juvenile accused of Luke’s murder and when that date becomes imminent.”

Luke’s funeral, on Friday November 21, will be recorded by a single BBC camera with permission from the family.

The press have specifically been asked to keep away from the service itself to protect its dignity and their privacy – although the service will be broadcast outside the church. An area in the grounds of the church will be taped off for use by other members of the media who wish to cover the arrival and departure of the cortege.

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