THE husband and daughters of a teacher who was stabbed to death in her classroom have seen the 15-year-old boy accused of her murder appear in court.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Leeds Youth Court accused of murdering Ann Maguire, 61, at Corpus Christi Catholic College in the city on Monday.

Donald Maguire stared straight at the youth as he was led into the glass-fronted dock.

Mr Maguire clutched the hands of his daughters, Emma and Kerry, throughout the two-minute hearing in the packed courtroom.

The defendant, whose right arm was in plaster, nodded to his own parents as he walked into court.

He spoke four times to say "yes" to questions from the clerk.

The boy, wearing a navy blue sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms, was flanked by three security officers - two men and a woman.

He looked around Court 20 at the Youth Court, which was packed with about 35 lawyers, journalists, police officers and family members.

The court clerk asked him if he understood the murder charge and to confirm personal details including his date of birth and address.

District Judge Roy Anderson told him he will be remanded in youth detention and will appear at Leeds Crown Court this morning by video-link. He said no application for bail was allowed at this hearing.

Earlier, the Maguire family released an emotional tribute to the Spanish teacher, describing her as "our shining light".

She was months away from retiring after working at Corpus Christi for more than 40 years when she was stabbed in front of pupils on Monday morning.

In a statement released through West Yorkshire Police, the family said: "Our beautiful Ann, our shining light, she brightened the world for so many of us.

"A loving wife, the best mother, a treasured sister, a true friend. This horrific happening has robbed us of all of this and so much more. We are devastated. Her selfless, genuine, caring nature will remain with us eternally.

"We are overwhelmed by the support, sympathy and kind tributes we have received."