SHOCKED and disturbed villagers have spoken of their feelings in the wake of a violent teenage attack, which has shattered their peaceful community.As news broke that a 15-year-old Benjamin Goddard had been stabbed in the toilets of Stradbroke High School by a fellow pupil waves of concern and disbelief began to spread.

SHOCKED and disturbed villagers have spoken of their feelings in the wake of a violent teenage attack, which has shattered their peaceful community.

As news broke that a 15-year-old Benjamin Goddard had been stabbed in the toilets of Stradbroke High School by a fellow pupil waves of concern and disbelief began to spread.

And for those most affected, the staff and pupils at the school, counselling and support was immediately offered by the Local Education Authority (LEA).

John Huby , landlord of The Ivy House pub, in Wilby Road, said he felt surprised and disappointed at the news.

"It is really surprising. You could never think it could happen here.

"I feel disappointed as well because you feel that is the sort thing people come here to get away from," said Mr Huby, 58.

"It is going to shock people – you just wouldn't expect it. I have lived in the village three years. The children go past twice a day and the atmosphere is generally pretty good fun. There are one or two tearaways but we never have any trouble."

A woman who used to work at the school, and whose two daughters both went there, said she could not believe it when she heard about it on the news.

"I was shocked," she said. "It could be anybody's child. It is going to be the talk of the village.

"Everyone knows everyone else and their children – this is really going to affect people.

"It is worrying any child would have a knife at school," she added.

And resident Eric Gallagher, 56, commented: "It surprises me very much that anything like this could happen here. I think people with children will be really affected."