Police have been granted more time to question a boy (15) as police in Britain continue to investigate why a popular teacher - just months from retirement - was fatally stabbed in front of her class.

Ann Maguire (61) died from multiple stab wounds in the incident at Corpus Christi Catholic College in Leeds, where she had taught for more than 40 years.

Police were due to interview the boy held in connection with the death yesterday, a task officers said would be handled sensitively due to his age.

Detective Superintendent Simon Beldon, of West Yorkshire Police Protective Services, said "Given his young age, this is a process which needs to be handled sensitively and can take some time to complete. We will obviously give consideration to our powers to extend the period of his detention if that is required".

Meanwhile, it was reported in The Sun that Mrs. Maguire was stabbed to death after going to work on her day off to help pupils prepare for GCSE Spanish exams next month.

Witnesses interviewed by specialist officers

Students and staff paid tribute to the much-loved Spanish teacher on an emotional first day back at school. It was also being widely reported that Mrs. Maguire had brought up her sister's two young sons after their mother died of cancer.

The Times said the teacher, who had two adult daughters, looked after her nephews following the death of sister Eileen Poole in 1986.

Police have also confirmed that the school had a dedicated 'safer schools' officer, but that she was helping at another school on the day Mrs. Maguire was killed.

Mrs. Maguire taught generations of children during her time at the school, was due to retire in September.

Children began arriving early to add tributes to more than 200 bouquets of flowers that cover the railings outside the school gates. Mrs. Maguire was also remembered at a service in the neighbouring Corpus Christi Church.

Students who witnessed the incident are being interviewed by specialist officers.

Some reported hearing screams as other members of staff rushed to her classroom and restrained her attacker. Her death is the first time a teacher has been stabbed to death in a British classroom.

School pupil Tamzin Langton says it is still sinking in.