A woman’s body has been found in the bathroom inside a gym at a school in Sydney’s CBD, as police search for a male colleague of hers who has gone missing.
A female staff member at a prestigious Sydney school has been found dead with serious head injuries inside a bathroom at the school’s gym, as police desperately search for her male colleague.
Water polo coach Lilie James, 22, was found murdered at St Andrew’s Cathedral School on Kent Street, in the CBD, just before midnight on Wednesday, The Daily Telegraph reported.
Emergency services had gone to the school after Ms James’ family alerted police as she hadn’t returned home.
Upon arrival police found her body in a bathroom in the gym area of the school.
A second crime scene has been established near The Gap at Vaucluse, where police are searching for a male staff member from the school.
Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman said on Thursday morning they were investigating whether the man, who is believed to be in his 20s, had killed himself in the Vaucluse area.
Investigators also found “an item linked to the homicide” in the Vaucluse area, Superintendent Fileman confirmed.
There is no indication of a history of domestic violence between the two people, Mr Fileman said before confirming staff members had been called in after the “extremely daunting experience” for detectives who arrived at the scene.
A body of a woman has been found in St Andrew’s Cathedral School Building next to Sydney Town Hall overnight. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
More police were seen arriving at the school at midday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
The school will be closed on Thursday and Friday, with a message to parents assuring them no students were involved in the incident.
A crime scene has been established at the school and was being forensically examined on Thursday morning.
Police were seen at the school carrying forensic bags.
A body of a woman has been found in St Andrew’s Cathedral School Building next to Sydney Town Hall overnight. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
A man is seen inside the school on Thursday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
Police were seen carrying forensic bags on Thursday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
A second crime scene has been established in the Vaucluse area as police desperately hunt for the missing man.
“St Andrew’s Cathedral School remains closed today to all students except those sitting Year 12 exams, as the school continues to work with Police following an onsite death overnight,” a spokesperson from the school said.
“No students were involved and there is no ongoing threat.”
Detective Superintendent Martin Fileman Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
“An area of the school, not accessible to students, is a crime zone, and we await the approval of Police before bringing everyone back on site,” the school statement continues.
“The only students onsite are those sitting exams, and we ask that the media does not seek to interrupt their concentration or state of mind as they sit exams that are significant for their graduation.”
“The school has brought our school counsellors onsite for professional support for parents and students as required – and again we ask that the media respects the emotional situation of those seeking support.”
Investigators are at the scene on Thursday morning. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift
St Andrew’s Cathedral is a private day school for children from Kindergarten to Year 12.
The Anglican school charges tuition fees up to $36,770 a year.
More than 1400 students attend the school, which was founded in 1885 as a choir school for nearby St Andrew’s Cathedral.
It is ranked 157th in NSW in the 2022 HSC, with 660 exams sat by year 12 students and 72 distinguished achievements awarded.
According to The Daily Telegraph, parents were told of the incident via text.
“Year 12 exams will be held in BBC as normal. Year 5 camp will continue as normal.
A further text message said: “Update: No students were involved in the incident.
“Police are currently investigating and we will keep you updated,” the text told parents.
Police are continuing to liaise with school officials.
Anyone with information which could help the investigation is urged to call police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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