School pays tribute to Spalding shooting victim Charlotte Hart

Charlotte Hart, who has been named as one of the victims of a tragic shooting in Spalding, has been described as an “exemplary student who showed incredible kindness” by her former school.

As reported previously, a man and two women, named by local sources as Lance Hart, 57, wife Claire, 50, and daughter Charlotte, 19, were shot outside the Castle Sports Centre on the morning of Tuesday, July 19.

Charlotte, 19, with her mother Claire, 50

It is believed that Claire and Charlotte were shot dead by Lance, who then turned the shotgun on himself.

Tributes have been pouring out across social media and many have laid flowers at the scene.

Followers line the streets following the triple shooting in Spalding. Photo: Jack Creasey

One floral tribute read: “I didn’t know you, but my heart goes out to you. God bless.”

Spalding High School, where Charlotte was a pupil, described in a statement how the community was shocked by the killings.

“We are all deeply shocked and saddened to hear of the tragic death of our former student, Charlotte Hart. Charlotte attended the High School for the whole of her secondary education between September 2008 and July 2015.

“She was an exemplary student in every way, who showed incredible kindness and empathy towards others.

“Charlotte had many close friends and her polite and caring nature endeared her to all who met her.

“Charlotte was incredibly driven to achieve her dream of studying midwifery at university and was successful in the extremely competitive interview process, where her personal qualities shone through.

“Academically, Charlotte excelled and her final grades were a tribute to her hard work and dedication. It is our students who make Spalding High School such a unique and special place to be and to lose Charlotte is devastating to us all.

“Our thoughts and sincerest condolences are with Charlotte’s brothers, her family and friends at this time.”

Tributes have been made to Charlotte, who was studying midwifery at university.

A police cordon remains in place on Wednesday, July 20 as investigations continue.

Police are refusing to disclose the relationship between the three fatalities, and a formal identification is not expected until Thursday, July 21.

Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter

Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones said residents of the area must pull together in the wake of the tragic incident.

“Such a sudden and violent loss of life is always going to be difficult for a close community like Spalding to come to terms with but I know residents will pull together at this trying time.

“My heartfelt thanks goes out to the members of the emergency services who attended the scene as well as the members of the public who also assisted shortly after the incident and courageously tried in vain to save the lives of those involved.”

Are you affected by this incident? Get in touch with the news team via [email protected]