New head hangs herself in school just six months into job - The Sun

A HEADTEACHER has been found hanged in her school office less than six months after starting the job.

Tragic Helen Mann, 43, is thought to have taken her own life in the primary school after holding a teacher training day.

No children are understood to have been in the building when the married mum of two's body was discovered by a horrified member of staff.

Paramedics rushed to the school but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her devastated father-in-law Kenneth Mann yesterday said he had "no idea" why Helen — who had two sons, George, 13, and Jack, ten — may have wanted to commit suicide. He revealed: "We don't know the exact circumstances but we are all deeply shocked and absolutely heartbroken.

"Helen only started in the summer. She was the loveliest person, so nice to everyone. They have two wonderful sons who she loved so much."

Police yesterday interviewed Helen's "devastated" husband Philip, 48, in a bid to work out what happened. Kenneth added: "It's come out of the blue, we never expected anything like this."

Parents of kids at Sytchampton Endowed First School near Stourport-on-Severn, Worcs, were texted about Monday afternoon's "serious incident".

It will stay closed while cops investigate the death. As officers compiled a report for the coroner, a police spokesman said it is being treated as "unexplained but not suspicious".

Helen, of Worcester, spoke of her excitement upon joining the school, which has 109 pupils and had achieved two "outstanding" Ofsted reports.

She said: "It's been a great pleasure to meet pupils and staff. I'm looking forward to working with everyone to build on Sytchampton's achievements."

School governors and locals paid tribute yesterday. One said: "It's heart-breaking because she was so happy."

a.parker@the-sun.co.uk